Scopes for Weapons

ABSTRACT

A scope for a weapon or firearm includes an elevation adjustment turret device having a rotatable elevation adjustment knob connected to a gear mechanism via a distance-indicating dial. Rotation of the knob displays to a user a distance to a target which is usable to distance-calibrate the scope for projectile accuracy at that target. The gear mechanism includes a planetary gear mechanism. The turret device includes an indexing mechanism constructed and arranged so as to be selectively configurable in each of at least two indexing modes. In a first indexing mode, the elevation adjustment knob is substantially prevented from rotating, and in a second indexing mode, the elevation adjustment knob is rotatable in an indexing mode selected from at least one of stepped rotation, and/or free unhindered rotation.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims benefit of UK Patent Application No. GB1603730.1 filed on Mar. 3, 2016 with the UK Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

This invention relates to scopes (or, alternatively termed, ‘sights’) for weapons, such as firearms of various types and pneumatic weapons, e.g. air rifles, air guns or air pistols. More particularly, though not exclusively, the invention relates to telescopic scope (or sights) for such weapons and which have one or more particular novel features which provide them with enhanced operability and utility.

BACKGROUND

Lenses of many optical instruments, particularly those for outdoor use, such as scopes or sights (which two terms may be used interchangeably in this specification) of weapons, binoculars, spotting scopes, etc, can often become exposed to various undesirable external elements during use, e.g. water, dust, sand, moisture and/or mechanical impact (such as from extraneous objects). Such lenses therefore generally require some kind of protection when not actually in use being viewed through. For this purpose, conventionally such lenses are usually protected by attaching to the relevant optical instrument lens or portion of the instrument carrying the lens some kind of protective cap or cover, which when applied blocks access to and protects the lens surface when the instrument is not in use.

There are various known types of lens protective cover of varying designs, some of which are well-suited for application to scope or sights of weapons. The most common type is a protective cover which is pivotably mounted on the weapon's or other instruments body adjacent the lens. The cover conveniently remains attached to the weapon or instrument body and can be moved pivotally between a closed position, in which the lens is obscured and protected by the cover, and an open position, in which the cover is pivoted away from the lens to expose the lens surface ready for viewing therethrough.

In relation to scopes for weapons, two examples of known lens cover or cap designs are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,831,285 A and U.S. Pat. No. 7,721,480 B2. These both describe lens caps which are kept in a closed position by some kind of latching or spring mechanism, or a snug interference fitting, or by magnets. In the case of a magnetically-biased closure arrangement, a magnet of one polarity is mounted in the outer rim of the pivotable cap, and a magnet of the opposite polarity is mounted in the (normally stationary) attachment member to which the cap is pivotably attached and via which the overall cap/cover arrangement is mounted onto the body of the scope or sight adjacent the relevant lens (which may be the ocular lens or the objective lens, depending on which one is being protected by the arrangement), so that the magnetic attraction between the magnets urges the cap/cover into its closed position and maintains it there. In the case of a spring-loaded cap arrangement, when the protective cap is manually released from its closed position, it is generally moved by an opposite spring-action into its open position, which is determined by some kind of limiting mechanical stop member, which prevents the spring-driven cap from moving any further. Thus, the spring-biasing force from one direction urging the pivotable cap towards and against the mechanical stop member which limits its pivoting travel from the opposite direction keeps the cap in a stable open position during use.

However, when such a spring-biased cap or cover is released from its closed position and allowed to accelerate under its spring-biasing force into its open position, it can often hit the stop member with a considerable force and at some speed, leading to a mechanical impact and an audible noise. The same thing can also occur when the cap or cover is moved back from its open position into its closed position. In the context of lens-containing scopes or sights for weapons, such noises are undesirable, especially in many law-enforcement, hunting or wildlife observation scenarios. The associated mechanical impact can also, since it is repetitive over time, lead to or contribute to mechanism and material fatigue, and may even lead to mechanism damage or failure resulting from the repetitive collision of mechanical parts.

It is a primary object of the present invention to address these problems associated with known lens cap or cover designs for weapons scopes or sights, or even for other lens-containing optical instruments.

In other respects, known scopes or sights for weapons which employ known lens cap or cover designs, including those discussed above, also have other limitations in the way they work and can be used, some of which further stem from the designs of lens cap or cover arrangements that are currently used in this field.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to address the above problems and needs in the art of weapons scopes or sights and other optical instruments, and to provide improved designs of same that lead to enhanced practical operability and utility.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention in its various aspects may be understood with reference to the appended claims.

In various of its aspects, the present invention provides one or more novel lens cover arrangements for an optical instrument, an optical instrument, such as a weapon scope or sight, fitted with any of the one or more novel lens cover arrangements, and a method of selectively providing visual access to a lens of an optical instrument such as a weapon scope or sight. In further aspects the invention also provides a novel viewing attachment for a weapon scope or sight, one or more novel elevation adjustment turret devices for use in calibrating a weapon scope or sight with respect to the range distance of the weapon, and a method of calibrating a weapon scope or sight with respect to the weapon's range distance using the one or more novel turret mechanisms, optionally in combination with particular embodiments of certain ones of the new lens cover or cap arrangements.

In a first aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided a cover arrangement for a lens of an optical instrument, the arrangement comprising

-   -   a cover member hingedly articulatable with respect to a body of         the optical instrument, the cover member being selectively         positionable in any of a plurality of pivotal positions relative         to the instrument body by means of a hinge via which the cover         member is mountable on the instrument body,     -   wherein the hinge comprises one or more magnets arranged to         define each of the said plurality of pivotal positions of the         cover member relative to the instrument body.

In many embodiments of this first aspect the optical instrument may be a scope or sight, especially a telescopic sight, of a weapon or firearm such an air rifle, air gun or air pistol. However, any other type of firearm, rifle, etc with which a lens-containing sight or scope may be used may also have embodiments of the invention applied to it.

Furthermore, embodiments of this first aspect of the invention may not be limited in their practical application to only telescopic scope or sights for weapons and firearms, but they may likewise be applied to other lens-containing optical instruments, such as binoculars, monoculars, spotting scopes, telescopes and suchlike. Indeed, embodiments of this first aspect of the invention may be applied to any optical instrument comprising at least one lens, where it is desired to provide the or a respective lens with a or a respective cover arrangement for selectively providing visual access to that lens as or when required and for protectively covering that lens when visual access thereto is not required, e.g. when the instrument is not being used.

In the context of scopes or sights for weapons, which typically have at least two externally pointing lenses, namely an ocular (i.e. viewing or eyepiece) lens nearest the user/shooter and an objective lens remote from the user/shooter which gathers light from the intended target region or field of view to form the relevant image in the eyepiece via the internal optics of the instrument, embodiments of this first aspect of the invention may be applied to cover arrangements, or respective cover arrangements, for either one of, or even each of both of, such ocular and objective lenses. In many embodiments, however, it may be at least to the ocular lens, or ocular lens portion of the instrument, that an embodiment of cover arrangement according to this first aspect of the invention may be applied.

In some embodiments of this first aspect of the invention the cover arrangement may be provided in situ as an incorporated component of the inherent construction of the optical instrument body, or a lens-incorporating body portion of the optical instrument, itself, in which case the cover member may be mounted on the body of the optical instrument such as to be hingedly articulated with respect thereto, the cover member being selectively positionable in any of the plurality of pivotal positions relative to the instrument body by means of the hinge via which the cover member is mounted on the instrument body.

In some such embodiments at least a portion of the hinge may thus be constituted by a portion of, especially an integral portion of, the instrument body or body portion itself.

However, in other embodiments the cover arrangement may be provided in the form of a separate attachment or fitting which comprises an attachment portion, such as a collar or sheath portion, for fitment to a lens-incorporating body portion of the optical instrument, wherein the attachment portion carries the hinge via which the cover member is hingedly articulated with respect to the attachment portion and thus hingedly articulatable with respect to the instrument body portion once the attachment or fitting has been fitted thereon, the cover member being selectively positionable in any of the plurality of pivotal positions relative to the attachment portion by means of the hinge via which the cover member is hingedly articulated with respect thereto.

In some such embodiments the attachment portion of the attachment or fitting may be constructed or configured so as to be attachable to the lens-incorporating body portion of the instrument by any suitable means, for example a screw-threaded connection, a bayonet-type connection or an interference (e.g. friction-based) fitting.

In some embodiments of this first aspect of the invention the cover arrangement may be attachable or attached to the instrument body, or a lens-incorporating body portion thereof, by means of a joint which itself permits relative rotation of the cover arrangement relative to a general longitudinal direction corresponding to, or parallel to, or even substantially coincident with, a longitudinal focal axis of the instrument. Such an axially rotational degree of freedom of the cover arrangement may be independent of any other pivotal or other configurational degree(s) of freedom the cover arrangement or component(s) thereof may have, and this may for example be particularly useful in the context of another aspect of the invention, as referred to and defined and described further hereinbelow.

In practical embodiments of this first aspect of the invention the cover member may comprise a cover portion, especially a central cover portion, e.g. in the form of a disc or plate, which is shaped and dimensioned sufficiently to overlie and protect the relevant lens of the instrument when the cover member is in a fully closed pivoted position relative to the instrument body. The cover member may for instance be formed of a moulded plastics material, or any other suitable material with a suitable degree of rigidity and strength to enable it to be manipulated by pivoting and to stably maintain itself in its relevant respective pivotal position, once placed therein, as defined by the one or more magnets incorporated in the hinge arrangement.

In some such embodiments the central cover disc or plate portion of the cover member may be opaque, such as by virtue of being formed, e.g. by moulding, stamping or cutting, as a unitary disc or plate of opaque material, e.g. a plastics material.

However, in other embodiments, in the context of scopes or sights for weapons, the central cover portion of the cover member may itself incorporate or have mounted therein, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a viewing window or lens for use in viewing therethrough, once the cover arrangement has been appropriately (which is to say, if or to any extent necessary) rotated axially relative to the scope or sight, a side distance/focussing knob of the scope or sight during a first stage of a procedure of distance-calibrating the scope or sight. This further, independent aspect of the present invention, along with embodiments thereof, will be further defined and described hereinbelow.

In accordance with this first aspect of the invention the cover member is selectively positionable in any of a plurality of pivotal positions, especially a plurality of different, discrete pivotal positions, relative to the instrument body, as defined by the one or more magnets incorporated in the hinge arrangement. Such plural pivotal positions may be selected from any number and respective angular positions, of any angle, of the cover member as may typically be needed or encountered during use or intended use of the instrument. For example, in the case of a weapon scope or sight, such plural pivotal positions may be selected from any of the following:

-   -   a fully closed (i.e. ˜0 degrees-closed) position, i.e. in which         the cover member lies generally substantially parallel to and         overlying the exposed instrument lens outer surface which it is         to obscure and protect;     -   a ˜90 degrees-open position, i.e. in which the cover member lies         generally open substantially at a right angle relative to the         exposed instrument lens surface, enabling the instrument lens to         be viewed via the eyepiece or light from an observation or         target field to enter it, as the case may be;     -   a ˜180 degrees-open position, i.e. in which the cover member         lies generally open substantially at a ˜180 degree angle         relative to the exposed lens surface, not only enabling the         instrument lens to be viewed via the eyepiece or light from an         observation or target field to enter it, as the case may be, but         also to enable:         -   (i) where such is provided (as mentioned above and discussed             further below in relation to another aspect of the             invention), an observation window or lens mounted within the             cover member, once the cover arrangement has been             appropriately rotated axially relative to a weapon scope or             sight to which this embodiment of cover arrangement has been             fitted, to view a side distance/focussing knob of the scope             or sight during a first stage of a procedure of             distance-calibrating it; and/or         -   (ii) where such is provided (as mentioned above and             discussed further below in relation to yet another aspect of             the invention), an observation window or lens mounted within             the cover member, once the cover arrangement has been             appropriately rotated axially relative to a weapon scope or             sight to which this embodiment of cover arrangement has been             fitted, to view an elevation adjustment turret of the scope             or sight during a second stage of a procedure of             distance-calibrating it;     -   a ˜270 degrees-open position, i.e. in which the cover member         lies generally open substantially at a ˜270 degree angle         relative to the exposed lens surface, especially open and         pivoted generally backwards and conveniently “out of the way” to         lie substantially adjacent the instrument body behind the         lens-incorporating portion thereof when it is not needed.

It is a feature of embodiments of this first aspect of the invention that the or each of these relative pivotal positions of the cover member (or possibly even others, or one or more other(s) at different specific angles from those exemplified above, or more or fewer than the above-listed example number of relative angular positions) is/are defined by the arrangement of one or more magnets provided in or on the hinge arrangement.

In many embodiments at least two magnets are provided, especially one or more pairs of magnets arranged in mutual spatial relationship and with relative polarities and orientations within each pair such as to define each respective one of the relative pivotal positions of the cover member.

In many practical embodiments the hinge may comprise or incorporate a first hinge portion carried by the cover member and at least one second hinge portion carried on the instrument body or the attachment portion of the attachment or fitting which is fittable thereto, as the case may be, the first hinge portion being pivotable relative to the second hinge portion, wherein the first hinge portion comprises or incorporates at least one first magnet, and the second hinge portion comprises at least one group or array of a plurality of second magnets each distributed within that group or array such as to define a respective one of the said relative pivotal positions of the cover member as the cover member is pivoted by means of the hinge and the at least one first magnet comes into attractive mutual positioning with respect to a relevant one of the plurality of second magnets in that group/array.

Thus, in many such embodiments, the various second magnets of the or the respective group or array may each be arranged with their magnetic polarities in substantially the same spatial orientation as each other, and the or each first magnet may be arranged and oriented with its polarity being substantially in the same spatial orientation as those of the second magnets. Thus, in such embodiments the mutual attraction between a “north” pole of the at least one first magnet (in the first hinge portion carried by the cover member) and a “south” pole of a respective one of the second magnets (in a second hinge portion provide on the instrument body or the attachment or fitting fittable thereto), and/or likewise the mutual attraction between a “south” pole of the at least one first magnet (in the first hinge portion carried by the cover member) and a “north” pole of a respective one of the second magnets (in a second hinge portion provide on the instrument body or the attachment or fitting fittable thereto), defines a mutual relative positioning of the two hinge portions which draws them into a predefined mutual pivotal position relative to each other which thereby defines a respective one of the said relative pivotal positions of the cover member.

In some embodiments the first and second hinge portions may define a common hinge or pivot axis, about which the two hinge portions are pivotable relative to each other. In some embodiments the various second magnets of the or the respective group or array thereof may be distributed equi-angularly and/or are equi-spaced around the thus-defined common hinge or pivot axis, whereby the resulting defined relative pivotal positions of the cover member may be likewise equi-angularly distributed relative to each other. Suitably the various second magnets may be located proximal to or radially towards an exterior outer circumference or outer periphery of the or the respective second hinge portion, as may likewise (but independently) be the one or more first magnets in or on the first hinge portion. The above-discussed ˜0 degrees, ˜90 degrees, ˜180 degrees and ˜270 degrees pivotal positions of the cover member are examples of such an equi-angular distribution of the cover member pivotal positions. In this example case, therefore, the various second magnets of the or the respective group or array may be distributed at ˜90 degree intervals relative to each other around the second hinge portion. However it is to be understood that any desired number of, and/or angular values and positions of, and/or relative angular distribution of, and/or degree of axial symmetry of, the various cover member relative pivotal positions may be provided for, by appropriate location and relative positioning of the various first and/or second magnets.

In some such embodiments the various first and second magnets may all be oriented in space such as to lie with their various polar axes (which is to say each with its longitudinal axis passing through the respective magnet body from its “north” to its “south” pole) generally substantially parallel to each other, but with (a) the various second magnets of the or the respective group, and (b) the one or more first magnets, being oriented relative to each other such that any second magnet (a) has its “north” pole oriented towards or nearest to a “south” pole of any magnet (b), and any second magnet (a) has its “south” pole oriented towards or nearest to a “north” pole of any magnet (b).

Thus, in some embodiments each respective one of the various relative pivotal positions of the cover member may be defined by a respective pair of first and second magnets coming into axial alignment with each other upon being mutually attracted to each other by virtue of their mutually opposite polarity.

In some embodiments the hinge may comprise a plurality of second hinge portions, especially a pair of second hinge portions located to either side of a central first hinge portion (being that carried by the cover member). In such embodiments there may thus be provided a plurality of, e.g. two, groups of second magnets, one respective group in each respective one of the second hinge portions. In such embodiments the second magnets in a first group in the first hinge portion may be spatially oriented with their polarities arranged and oriented so as to be the same as those of the second magnets in a second group in the second hinge portion, whereby the second magnets in each respective one of the first and second groups act in a corresponding manner in relation to the one or more first magnets in the first hinge portion located between, especially common-axially in between, the pair of second hinge portions.

In some embodiments the first hinge member may comprise or incorporate just one single first magnet, so that the relative pivotal positions of the cover member are defined by the relative positioning, relative to that single first magnet, of individual ones of the group or array of second magnets.

However, in other embodiments the first hinge member may comprise or incorporate a plurality of, especially at least one pair of, first magnets, suitably distributed symmetrically, e.g. diametrically at 180 degrees relative to each other, so that the relative pivotal positions of the cover member are defined by the relative positioning, relative to each of those first magnets, of opposite pairs of the group or array of second magnets.

As used herein the term “magnet” is to be construed broadly, as encompassing any body, member or element formed either wholly or in part, e.g. as just one of a plurality of components of, a permanently magnetic, especially ferromagnetic, material, either formed as a unitary body thereof or as particles thereof, e.g. dispersed in a matrix or binder of e.g. a synthetic plastics material. Examples of suitable materials for forming magnets or magnetic bodies for use in embodiments of this first aspect of the invention are widely available commercially and well-known to the skilled person.

The magnets for use as the first and second magnets in embodiments of this first aspect of the invention may take any suitable shape or configuration, e.g. cylindrical or tubular rods or other elongate bodies of any suitable cross-section (e.g. circular, elliptical, rectangular, square).

For providing the various first and second magnets in or on the respective first and second hinge portions of arrangement according to embodiments of this aspect of the invention the respective magnets may suitably be embedded therein, e.g. upon manufacture by moulding of the respective hinge component(s). Alternatively they may be mounted in respective channels, grooves or holes formed, moulded, cut, or drilled in the body of the relevant hinge portion, or any other suitable type of physical mounting connection therebetween. Optionally any suitable adhesive may be used, if desired or necessary, for anchoring the relevant magnetics in their respective locations.

In certain other embodiments of this first aspect of the invention, instead of the various first and second magnets being arranged, especially with regard to their relative polarities, so as to define the respective pivotal positions of the cover member by virtue of the mutual attraction of opposite poles of the relevant magnets, it may instead be arranged that the relative polarities of the relevant first and second magnets are oriented such that the respective pivotal positions of the cover member are defined by virtue of the mutual repulsion of like poles of the relevant magnets.

In a second aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided an optical instrument comprising one or more lenses, together with respective one or more cover arrangements according to the first aspect of the invention or any embodiment thereof.

In embodiments of this second aspect of the invention the optical instrument may for example be a scope or sight of a weapon or firearm, e.g. an air rifle.

In such embodiments one or more of an ocular (i.e. eyepiece) lens and/or an objective lens of the scope or sight may have a or a respective cover arrangement applied to it. In cases where plural cover arrangements are provided, each one may be independently selected from any embodiments thereof. In many example embodiments it may be at least the ocular (i.e. eyepiece) lens that has a cover arrangement according to various embodiments of this first aspect of the invention applied thereto.

In embodiments of the above second aspect any of its individual features may be the same as or correspond to any of those defined or described above or below in the context of any embodiment of any other aspect of the invention.

In a third aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided a weapon or firearm. e.g. an air rifle, comprising or fitted with a scope or sight according to the second aspect of the invention or any embodiment thereof.

In a fourth aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided a method of selectively providing visual access to a lens of an optical instrument, e.g. a lens of a scope or sight of a weapon or firearm, comprising:

-   -   (i) providing the optical instrument with, or mounting on a         lens-incorporating body portion of the optical instrument, a or         a respective cover arrangement according to the first aspect of         the invention or any embodiment thereof;     -   (ii) selectively pivotally moving the cover member about the         hinge into a respective one of the said plurality of pivotal         positions relative to the instrument body such as to reveal the         said lens surface to allow visual access thereto, wherein the         said one of the said plurality of pivotal positions of the cover         member is a non-O-degrees position thereof relative to the         instrument body.

In embodiments of the above fourth aspect any of its individual features may be the same as or correspond to any of those defined or described above or below in the context of any embodiment of any other aspect of the invention.

As mentioned above, in the context of scopes or sights for weapons, in a case where a central cover portion of the cover member of the cover arrangement may itself incorporate or have mounted therein a viewing window or lens for use in viewing therethrough, once the cover arrangement has been appropriately rotated axially relative to the scope or sight, a side distance/focussing knob of a during a first stage of a procedure of distance-calibrating the scope or sight, this may constitute an independent, fifth aspect of the present invention.

Accordingly, in a fifth aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided a cover arrangement for a lens of a weapon or firearm scope or sight, the arrangement comprising

-   -   a cover member hingedly articulatable with respect to a body of         the scope or sight, the cover member being selectively         positionable in any of a plurality of pivotal positions relative         to the scope or sight body by means of a hinge via which the         cover member is mountable on the scope or sight body,     -   wherein the cover arrangement is mountable on the scope or sight         body such as to be axially rotatable relative to a longitudinal         focal axis of the scope or sight,     -   and wherein the cover member comprises a viewing window or lens         therein for use in viewing therethrough, once the cover         arrangement has been appropriately (which is to say, if or to         any extent necessary) axially rotated relative to the scope or         sight body, a side distance/focussing knob of the scope or sight         during a first stage of a procedure of distance-calibrating the         scope or sight.

This fifth aspect of the invention, or any embodiment or feature(s) thereof, may be provided or used either in conjunction or combination with any embodiment or feature(s) of any other aspect of the invention (in particular, though not exclusively, any of the first to fourth aspects), or independently in its/their own right.

Thus, in embodiments of this fifth aspect of the invention the hinge may or may not comprise one or more magnets arranged to define each of the said plurality of pivotal positions of the cover member relative to the scope or sight body, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention and embodiments thereof. However, in other respects in embodiments of the above fifth aspect of the invention any of the individual features of the cover arrangement may be the same as or correspond to any of those defined or described above or below in the context of any embodiment of any other aspect of the invention.

In embodiments of this fifth aspect of the invention the cover arrangement may be attachable or attached to the scope or sight body by means of any suitable form of joint, fixing or fitting which permits or enables the cover arrangement to be rotated, especially by manual manipulation, about the longitudinal focal axis of the scope or sight, relative to the scope or sight body, to any necessary or desired angular extent to permit the relevant side distance/focussing knob of the scope or sight to be viewed via the viewing window or lens. In practice this may be once the viewing window or lens has been brought, by rotation of the cover arrangement, into general alignment with the relevant side distance/focussing knob of the scope or sight.

In many embodiments the viewing window or lens may be a telescopic or magnifying window or lens, and it may be of any suitable shape, e.g. circular or rectangular. In embodiments the viewing window or lens may be made of any suitable transparent material, eg. a glass or a transparent plastics material.

Thus, in embodiments of this fifth aspect the cover member comprising the above-defined viewing window or lens may fulfil a dual function: firstly, as part of the inherent structure of the cover member itself which overlies and protects the lens of the scope or sight when selectively pivoted into its closed, lens-protecting position in accordance with use of the first aspect of the invention, and also secondly, as a means for conveniently viewing the relevant side distance/focussing knob of the scope or sight once the cover arrangement has been rotated appropriately (i.e. if or to any extent necessary) during a first stage of a procedure of distance-calibrating the scope or sight.

This latter, second functionality may be particularly useful in cases where the weapon is being used in a real-life scenario such as a sporting, competitive, hunting or other outdoor pursuit, because it may enable the relevant side distance/focusing knob to be viewed by one eye only through the viewing window or lens in the cover member without the user/shooter needing to take his/her other eye away from the eyepiece or to de-focus that other eye from the reticle, cross-hairs or other indicia which commonly are located in the focal plane (or virtual focal plane) of the scope's eyepiece optical arrangement. Since it is generally the case with human eyes that they always focus themselves onto the same focal plane even when viewing different objects, by designing the optics of the telescopic or magnifying viewing window or lens in the cover member such as to form an image (or virtual image) of the relevant side distance/focusing knob in substantially the same focal plane as the image (or virtual image) of the reticle, crosshairs or other indicia in the eyepiece optics, both images may be viewable simultaneously but independently. This may significantly enhance the efficiency of the first stage of the distance calibration procedure of the scope or sight, whilst also generally enhancing the user's/shooter's experience of calibrating and using the weapon in the field.

Thus, it may be a further feature of embodiments of this fifth aspect of the invention that the optics of the telescopic or magnifying viewing window or lens in the cover member are constructed and configured such that an image (or virtual image) of the relevant side distance/focusing knob is formed in substantially the same focal plane as the image (or virtual image) of the reticle or crosshairs or other indicia in the eyepiece optics of the scope or sight.

Such a first stage of a procedure for distance-calibrating the scope or sight may, in practical embodiments of use of the scope or sight of this aspect, comprise viewing the user/shooter-facing side of the relevant side distance/focussing knob or device (which in many practical example scope or sights may be on the left hand side thereof) which displays, e.g. on a rotating dial or via graduated indicia, a distance at which a calibrating target lies ahead of the user-shooter upon the image in the scope or sight eyepiece having been adjusted by the said knob or device to be in focus. Such a focus-distance calibration of the knob or device itself may normally be factory-set. That read distance on the dial or indicia, as viewed through the viewing window or lens of the cover member of the arrangement, once the arrangement has been rotated appropriately (i.e. if or to any extent necessary) to face the side distance/focussing knob or device, may then be used in a second stage of an overall distance-calibration procedure as the basis for an appropriate adjustment of an elevation adjustment turret device of the scope or sight. Such a second stage of the procedure is described and discussed further below in the context of further independent aspects of the present invention.

In a further development of this primary fifth aspect of the invention, instead of the viewing window or lens being provided actually within or as a part of the cover member of the lens cover arrangement, the viewing window or lens may alternatively be provided mounted in or on any other, alternative mounting means which may itself be mounted on the scope or sight, or a body portion thereof, especially a body portion of the eyepiece portion thereof, independent of any lens cover arrangement. Thus, in such embodiments, the viewing window or lens may be provided independently of any lens cover arrangement that may or may not be present, especially as a component of a dedicated viewing window or lens attachment which may be independently fitted or mounted on a body portion of the scope or sight.

Accordingly, in an auxiliary fifth aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided a viewing attachment for a weapon or firearm scope or sight, the attachment comprising

-   -   a carrier member having a mounting end portion via which it is         mountable on the scope or sight, and a carrying end portion         including carrying means, wherein the carrier member is         mountable on the scope or sight via the mounting end portion         such that it is axially rotatable relative to a longitudinal         focal axis of the scope or sight, and     -   a viewing window or lens mounted in or on the carrying means for         use in viewing therethrough, once the attachment has been         appropriately (which is to say, if or to any extent necessary)         axially rotated relative to the scope or sight body, a side         distance/focussing knob of the scope or sight during a first         stage of a procedure of distance-calibrating the scope or sight.

In embodiments of the above viewing attachment according to this auxiliary fifth aspect of the invention, the carrier member may comprise an elongate body or body element having any suitable rotational mounting means at its mounting end which permits the said axial rotatability, relative to the longitudinal focal axis of the scope or sight, once mounted thereon, especially once mounted on a body portion thereof. Examples of such rotational mounting means may include various types of rotational mounting collars, sheaths or joints, examples of which are well known in the art.

In some embodiments the carrying means, in or on which the viewing window or lens is mounted, may comprise any suitable carrying or mounting means, such as any of the same means by which the viewing window or lens is mounted in the cover member of the cover arrangement according to embodiments of the primary fifth aspect of the invention.

In embodiments of this auxiliary fifth aspect of the invention, apart from the fact that the viewing window or lens is not provided in a lens cover arrangement, but as a viewing attachment in its own right, once it has been mounted on the scope or sight body, its general operation and manner of use may be substantially the same as that of embodiments of the primary fifth aspect of the invention as defined above and described hereinbelow. Thus, in other respects the viewing window or lens of this auxiliary fifth aspect of the invention, or any feature or property thereof, may be the same as any corresponding feature or property of a viewing window or lens as defined or described herein in relation to the above primary fifth aspect of the invention.

This auxiliary fifth aspect of the invention, or any embodiment or feature(s) thereof, may be provided or used either in conjunction or combination with any embodiment or feature(s) of any other aspect of the invention (in particular, though not exclusively, any of the first to fourth aspects), or independently in its/their own right.

As mentioned above, in the context of scopes or sights for weapons, where a cover arrangement according to the fifth aspect (or a viewing attachment according to the auxiliary fifth aspect) of the invention is employed for viewing therethrough, once the cover arrangement (or viewing attachment, as the case may be) has been appropriately (which is to say, if or to any extent necessary) axially rotated relative to the scope or sight body, a side distance/focussing knob of the scope or sight during a first stage of a procedure of distance-calibrating the scope or sight, the same cover arrangement (or viewing attachment, as the case may be) may be further utilised—once it has then been rotated back in the opposite rotational direction so that the viewing window or lens has been brought into general alignment with an elevation adjustment turret device (which typically is on an upper side of the scope or sight)—to view a distance setting dial thereon which may then be used to calibrate the elevation adjustment of the scope or sight in a second stage of the overall procedure for distance-calibrating it. This thus leads on to some further independent aspects of the present invention, which relate to novel constructions and features of an elevation adjustment turret device for use in a scope or sight of a weapon, e.g. an air rifle.

Accordingly, in a sixth aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided an elevation adjustment turret device for a weapon or firearm scope or sight, the device comprising

-   -   a rotatable elevation adjustment knob connected to a gear         mechanism via which a distance-indicating dial is rotatable,         upon rotation of the knob, to display to a user/shooter a         distance to a target which is usable to distance-calibrate the         scope or sight for projectile accuracy at that target,     -   wherein the said gear mechanism comprises a planetary gear         mechanism.

In some embodiments of the elevation turret device of this sixth aspect, the planetary gear mechanism may be constructed and configured such that when the said knob is rotated by a first angular distance or number of revolutions, then the corresponding angular distance or number of revolutions (as the case may be) that the distance-indicating dial rotates is less than that of the knob, in some cases significantly less than that of the knob. In other words, the planetary gear mechanism reduces or “compresses” the angular distance of travel of the number of revolutions turned by the distance-indicating dial in comparison with the angular distance of travel or number of revolutions turned (as the case may be) of the knob itself.

In some cases the construction and configuration of the planetary gear mechanism may be such that for every ˜360 degrees rotation of the elevation adjustment knob the distance-indicating dial only turns by a lesser angle of only, for example, around 180 degrees, or around 120 degrees, or even an angle of around 90 degrees or around 72 degrees or around 60 degrees, or possibly even an angle smaller than this. The effect of this is that the knob may be turned by plural complete (i.e. 360 degrees) turns, e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 complete turns, or possibly even more than this (if the overall planetary gearing ratio is designed appropriately, as the skilled person will readily be able to determine and practise), whilst the distance-indicating dial remains within one single revolution. This avoids the problem of the user/shooter forgetting or having to monitor how many revolutions the elevation adjustment knob has been turned during a given second stage of a distance-calibration procedure, since the distance-indicating dial will always remain within one single revolution—and thus within a single given linear range of indicatable distances displayable thereon. This may be advantageous in typical practical, especially outdoor scenarios, when adrenalin may be high (e.g. leading to shaky fingers), temperatures may be cold (e.g. leading to poor manual dexterity) or mental attention diverted elsewhere.

In practical embodiments of the elevation adjustment turret device of this sixth aspect, the planetary gear mechanism itself may be constructed, configured and arranged in accordance with any suitable design and build criteria as used for other planetary gearing arrangements used in other engineering fields, as will be readily apparent and available to persons skilled in the engineering and gearing arts.

Some practical examples of specific constructional arrangements for the planetary gear mechanism for use in the elevation adjustment turret device according to embodiments of this sixth aspect of the invention will be described further below with reference to FIGS. 6a-6d of the accompanying drawings.

This sixth aspect of the invention, or any embodiment or feature(s) thereof, may be provided or used either in conjunction or combination with any embodiment or feature(s) of any other aspect of the invention (in particular, though not exclusively, any of the first to fifth aspects), or independently in its own right.

In a seventh aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided a scope or sight for a weapon or firearm, e.g. an air rifle, comprising an elevation adjustment turret device according to the sixth aspect of the invention or any embodiment thereof.

In an eighth aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided a weapon or firearm, e.g. an air rifle, comprising or fitted with a scope or sight according to the seventh aspect of the invention or any embodiment thereof.

Going further, the above-mentioned second stage of the overall procedure for distance-calibrating a scope or sight of a weapon or firearm, e.g. an air rifle, may be even further enhanced—either in combination with or independently from—the elevation adjustment turret device of the sixth aspect, by provision in the elevation adjustment turret device of a novel indexing mechanism, which enables—upon an indexing selector being appropriately actuated—the elevation adjustment turret knob to be controlled so as to be rotatable in any of a plurality of different indexing modes, or optionally locked against rotation, thereby leading to an overall more efficient and more responsive procedure of calibrating the elevation of the scope or sight by appropriate rotational adjustment of the elevation adjustment turret knob, as well as maintaining a particular calibration setting when the weapon is longer in active use. This novel indexing mechanism thus forms the basis of a further aspect of the present invention.

Accordingly, in a ninth aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided an elevation adjustment turret device for a weapon or firearm scope or sight, the device comprising

-   -   a rotatable elevation adjustment knob connected to a gear         mechanism via which a distance-indicating dial is rotatable,         upon rotation of the knob, to display to a user/shooter a         distance to a target which is usable to distance-calibrate the         scope or sight for projectile accuracy at that target,     -   wherein the turret device further comprises an indexing         mechanism constructed and arranged so as to be selectively         configurable in each of at least two, optionally in each of at         least three, indexing modes,     -   wherein in a first indexing mode the elevation adjustment knob         is substantially prevented from rotating,     -   and wherein in at least one second indexing mode the elevation         adjustment knob is rotatable in an indexing mode selected from         at least one of (i) stepped rotation, and/or (ii) free         unhindered rotation.

In some embodiments the indexing mechanism may be constructed and arranged so as to be selectively configurable, in addition to the above-defined first indexing mode, selectively in each of:

-   -   (i) a second indexing mode in which the elevation adjustment         knob is rotatable with stepped rotation, and     -   (ii) a third indexing mode in which the elevation adjustment         knob is rotatable with free unhindered rotation.

In some embodiments the indexing mechanism may comprise an indexing selector, such as an indexing selector member in the form of an indexing selector lever or arm, which is operably connected to an indexing elevation body which is selectively moveable into any one of a respective number of elevational indexing positions, which number corresponds to the number of indexing modes,

-   -   wherein in each respective one of said elevational indexing         positions the indexing elevation body brings into rotation         control relationship with the elevation adjustment knob,         especially into rotation control relationship with an internal         indexing portion of the said knob, a respective one of a         plurality of rotation control means,     -   wherein a first rotation control means corresponds to the said         first indexing mode and comprises locking engagement means by         which the elevation adjustment knob is substantially prevented         from rotating relative to the indexing elevation body         (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation         adjustment turret device),     -   and wherein at least a second rotation control means corresponds         to a said second indexing mode and comprises at least one of (i)         step-rotation-permitting engagement means by which the elevation         adjustment knob is rotatable, or restricted to being rotatable,         with stepped rotation relative to the indexing elevation body         (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation         adjustment turret device), and/or (ii) free-rotation-permitting         means by which the elevation adjustment knob is rotatable with         free unhindered rotation relative to the indexing elevation body         (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation         adjustment turret device).

In some embodiments the plurality of rotation control means may comprise:

-   -   a first rotation control means which corresponds to the said         first indexing mode and comprises locking engagement means by         which the elevation adjustment knob is substantially prevented         from rotating relative to the indexing elevation body         (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation         adjustment turret device), and     -   a second rotation control means which corresponds to the said         second indexing mode and comprises step-rotation-permitting         engagement means by which the elevation adjustment knob is         rotatable, especially restricted to being rotatable, with         stepped rotation relative to the indexing elevation body         (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation         adjustment turret device), and     -   a third rotation control means which corresponds to the said         third indexing mode and comprises free-rotation-permitting means         by which the elevation adjustment knob is rotatable with free         unhindered rotation relative to indexing elevation body         (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the turret         device).

In some embodiments, the indexing portion of the elevation adjustment knob, into rotation control relationship with which the indexing elevation body brings a respective one of the plurality of rotation control means into a respective one of the elevational indexing positions of the body, may comprise an array of a series of grooves or corrugations, especially an array or band or zone of a series of grooves or corrugations on an internal portion or internal wall of the elevation adjustment knob. In some embodiments the series of grooves or corrugations may be arranged generally around the circumference or perimeter of, optionally substantially over the whole of the circumference or perimeter of, the internal portion or wall of the knob, and/or in some embodiments the grooves or corrugations may be arranged all parallel to one another with their longitudinal directions lying generally parallel to the rotational axis of the elevation adjustment knob, and optionally generally parallel to the axis of movement of the indexing elevation body as it moves between its various respective elevational indexing positions.

Thus, in some such embodiments the series of grooves or corrugations forming the said array, band or zone thereof may constitute a grooved or corrugated cylindrical zone, especially of an appropriate limited height, around the interior of the elevation adjustment knob. The grooves or corrugations may be shaped and dimensioned, especially with suitable depths and widths, such that the locking engagement means of the first rotation control means, and the step-rotation-permitting engagement means of the second rotational control means may each selectively be engaged in or with the grooves or corrugations thereof to fulfil their respective locking or step-rotation-permitting function, as the case may be.

In some embodiments the locking engagement means of the first rotation control means, by means of which the elevation adjustment knob may be substantially prevented from rotating relative to the indexing elevation body (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation adjustment turret device) when the indexing elevation body is selectively moved into its relevant elevational position, e.g. by selective elevation or lowering (as appropriate) under actuation and/or control of the indexing selector lever or arm, may conveniently be constituted or provided by at least one, optionally a series or array of a plurality of, locking lugs or protrusions arranged on the periphery or a peripheral portion of the indexing elevation body. In some embodiments the plurality of locking lugs or protrusions may be spaced equi-angularly around the said periphery or peripheral portion of the body, in order to enhance or facilitate their locking function when engaged into, e.g. by longitudinal sliding into, respective ones of the said grooves or corrugations in the internal grooved or corrugated zone of the knob.

In some such embodiments the locking lugs or protrusions may be formed as integral protrusions or lugs extending at least radially outwards from the outer periphery of the elevation body, such as by virtue of being integrally moulded therewith. The inherent rigidity and strength of the material from which the body, and thus the lugs or protrusions, are formed may thus provide the lugs or protrusions with a required degree of rigidity and strength to ensure that, once they are located within respective ones of the grooves or corrugations, they cannot easily be withdrawn therefrom by lateral or axial displacement. This therefore helps to ensure that the elevation adjustment knob is substantially prevented from rotating, relative to the body, once the lugs or protrusions are located in the relevant grooves/corrugations upon the elevation body being selectively moved (by raising or lowering, as appropriate), under actuation and/or control of the indexing selector lever or arm, into its respective elevational position corresponding to the first indexing mode of the device.

In this manner of providing the elevation adjustment turret device of this aspect of the invention with the capability of selectively locking the elevation adjustment knob in a fixed relative rotational position with respect to the remainder of the turret device, it enables a user or shooter to maintain a particular distance calibration setting of the scope or sight when the weapon is longer in active use, e.g. upon it being stored or carried from place to place, without leading to risk that an unintentional or accidental rotating of the knob may alter or upset an existing distance calibration setting thereof.

In some embodiments the step-rotation-permitting engagement means of the second rotation control means, by means of which the elevation adjustment knob may be rotatable, especially restricted to being rotatable, with stepped rotation, relative to the indexing elevation body (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation adjustment turret device) when the indexing elevation body is selectively moved into its relevant elevational position, e.g. by selective elevation or lowering (as appropriate) under actuation and/or control of the indexing selector lever or arm, may conveniently be constituted or provided by at least one, optionally a series or array of a plurality of, resilient step-engagement elements arranged on or in the periphery or a peripheral portion of the indexing elevation body. In some embodiments the plurality of resilient step-engagement elements may be spaced equi-angularly around the said periphery or peripheral portion of the body, in order to enhance or facilitate their step-engagement function and operability when resiliently step-engaged into, e.g. by lateral or axial placement or “clicking” or “snapping” into, respective ones of the said grooves or corrugations in the internal grooved or corrugated zone of the knob.

In some such embodiments the resilient step-engagement elements may conveniently each comprise a spring-loaded, or otherwise resiliently mounted, engagement element, e.g. in the form of an engagement ball or spigot, especially a rounded or arcuate-end spigot. Such a resiliently mounted engagement element may for example be mounted in a respective channel or recess, especially a radially-oriented channel or recess, with a spring member, such as a coil spring or simply a cushion or plug of resilient material, seated in the bottom thereof, and supporting the ball or spigot above it. In this manner, a spring-loading type of retention of the various step-engagement elements is provided, which enables the relevant spring-loaded elements to be “snapped” into and between adjacent grooves or corrugations in the relevant internal zone of the elevation adjustment knob (once the elevation body has been raised or lowered (as appropriate) into its relevant position, thereby leading to an incremental, stepwise, movement of the adjustment knob as it is manually rotated when the elevation body has been moved into its relevant elevation position. The stiffness of the spring or other resilient members may be selected appropriately to give any desired level of resilient step-engagement force that may be required of the arrangement.

Thus, in embodiments employing such resilient step-engagement elements as the step-rotation-permitting engagement means, when the elevation body has been appropriately positioned, by selective elevation or lowering (as appropriate) under actuation and/or control of the indexing selector lever or arm, into its step-engagement elevational position (corresponding to the second indexing mode), as the elevation adjustment knob is rotated it is permitted or forced to do so in a stepwise manner.

In this manner of providing the elevation adjustment turret device of this aspect of the invention with the capability of selectively restricting rotation of the elevation adjustment knob of the device to a stepwise rotation capability only, this may lead to an enhanced degree of selective control of the knob during a second stage of a distance calibration procedure, when maybe a free/unhindered rotation thereof is not appropriate or wanted, as the scope or sight is distance-calibrated for projectile accuracy at a target. This therefore may lead to an overall more efficient and more responsive procedure of calibrating the elevation of the scope or sight by appropriate rotational adjustment of the elevation adjustment turret knob.

In embodiments where both the above-defined locking engagement means and step-rotation-permitting engagement means are provided, each respective one of such engagement and step-rotation-permitting means may be provided in its own discrete axial position or region or zone on or in the periphery or peripheral portion of the elevation body. For example the respective locking engagement means and step-rotation-permitting engagement means may be located axially adjacent, yet axially separated by a short distance from each other, in order not to interfere with one another when the elevation body is selectively moved (by elevation or lowering, as the case may be) into the respective elevational position in which each of the above-defined locking engagement or step-rotation-permitting means becomes, in combination with the grooved/corrugated internal zone of the knob, operative. In a typical example, the locking engagement means may be provided axially above the step-rotation-permitting means.

In some embodiments the free-rotation-permitting means of the third rotation control means, by means of which the elevation adjustment knob may be rotatable with free unhindered rotation, relative to the indexing elevation body (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation adjustment turret device) when the indexing elevation body is selectively moved, e.g. by selective elevation or lowering under actuation and/or control of the indexing selector lever or arm, may conveniently be constituted or provided by a simple unhindered track, surface, channel or groove (e.g. arranged circumferentially therearound) on the periphery or a peripheral portion of the indexing elevation body.

In this manner of providing the elevation adjustment turret device of this aspect of the invention with the capability of selectively enabling free, unhindered rotation of the elevation adjustment knob of the device, this may lead to an enhanced degree of freedom and operability of the knob during a second stage of a distance calibration procedure, when maybe a stepwise rotation thereof is not appropriate or wanted, as the scope or sight is distance-calibrated for projectile accuracy at a target. This therefore may lead to an overall more efficient and more responsive procedure of calibrating the elevation of the scope or sight by appropriate rotational adjustment of the elevation adjustment turret knob.

In some embodiments the above-defined indexing selector, such as the indexing selector member in the form of an indexing selector lever or arm which is operably connected to the indexing elevation body so that it is selectively moveable into any one of the respective number of elevational indexing positions (corresponding to the respective indexing modes), may comprise a pivotable indexing selector lever or arm which carries or has connected thereto a pivotable cam device constructed and configured to define each of the said elevational indexing positions.

In some such embodiments, the cam device may comprise at least one cam member, the or each cam member comprising a cam surface interrupted by at least two, optionally three, discrete land portions of different elevational heights relative to each other (and/or relative to the remainder of the device), wherein each land portion is selectively abuttable or engageable, by pivotal rotation of the elevation body by the selector lever or arm, by a or a respective one of a plurality of seating portions or members of the elevation body, especially provided or formed on an underside or underside portion thereof. Thus, each land portion defines a unique respective elevated seating position in which the elevation body may be placed in, upon appropriate position of the indexing lever or am. Where two such land portions are provided, these may correspond respectively to each of the above-defined first and at least one of the second elevational indexing positions of the elevation body. Where three such land portions are provided, these may correspond respectively to each of the above-defined first, second and third elevational indexing positions of the elevation body.

The land portions may be uniformly distributed along the length of the cam surface, and may each be substantially flat, especially horizontal, or possibly even concave or recessed, to enhance their seating portion-retaining function. The respective portions of the cam surface between the respective land portions may constitute riding portions, along which a respective seating portion of the elevation body may abuttingly ride, e.g. by sliding, as it moves from one land to another upon pivoting of the indexing lever or arm between different ones of its various pivotal indexing positions.

In some embodiments the cam device may comprise a plurality of, e.g. two or three (or possibly even more than three), like ones of the above-defined cam members, each mounted or formed in a discrete rotational position in the device on a common pivot plate or base portion of the device, with there also being provided or formed a corresponding plurality of associated seating portions or members e.g. on a common underside or underside portion of the elevation body. In some embodiments such plural cam members may be arranged equi-angularly on and/or, especially, around the periphery of, the common pivot plate or base portion. Such a common plate or base portion of the device may be operably connected to the indexing selector lever or arm, in order that pivoting of the latter into any one of its selected pivotal positions causes the common pivot plate or base portion to be likewise pivoted, thereby pivotally rotating the respective cam members, each with its respective plural land portions for abutment with the relevant seating portion or member.

Some practical examples of specific constructional arrangements for the indexing mechanism for use in the elevation adjustment turret device according to embodiments of this ninth aspect of the invention will be described further below with reference to FIGS. 7a-7d of the accompanying drawings.

In a tenth aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided a scope or sight for a weapon or firearm, e.g. an air rifle, comprising an elevation adjustment turret device according to the ninth aspect of the invention or any embodiment thereof.

In an eleventh aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided a weapon or firearm, e.g. an air rifle, comprising or fitted with a scope or sight according to the tenth aspect of the invention or any embodiment thereof.

In a twelfth aspect of the present invention for which protection is sought there is provided a method of calibrating a scope or sight of a weapon or firearm, e.g. an air rifle, which method comprises:

-   -   (i) preliminarily, providing or fitting the weapon with a scope         or sight comprising a lens cover arrangement according to the         fifth aspect (or a viewing attachment according to the auxiliary         fifth aspect) of the invention or any embodiment thereof and/or         an elevation adjustment turret device according to either of the         sixth or the ninth aspects of the invention or any embodiment of         either thereof;     -   and at least one or more of the following stages:     -   (ii) in the case of the lens cover arrangement according to the         fifth aspect (or a viewing attachment according to the auxiliary         fifth aspect) of the invention being present, a first         distance-calibration stage comprising viewing through the         viewing window or lens, once the cover arrangement (or viewing         attachment, as the case may be) has been appropriately (which is         to say, if or to any extent necessary) axially rotated relative         to the scope or sight body, a user/shooter-facing side of a side         distance/focussing knob of the scope or sight, whereby the         user/shooter is able to read on a display on that knob a         distance at which a calibrating target lies ahead of the         user/shooter upon the image in the scope or sight eyepiece         having been adjusted by the said knob to be in focus; and/or     -   (iii) in the case of the elevation adjustment turret device         according to either of the sixth or the ninth aspects of the         invention being present, a second distance-calibration stage         comprising:         -   (a) actuating the indexing selector, e.g. by pivoting the             indexing selector lever or arm, to position the elevation             body in a selected one of the first or second or third (if             provided) indexing elevational positions, relative to the             elevation adjustment knob, corresponding to a respective one             of the first or second or third (if provided) indexing modes             of rotation of the elevation adjustment knob; and         -   (b) rotating the elevation adjustment knob in the said             selected indexing mode of rotation;     -   whereby—optionally on the basis of a distance at which a         calibrating target lies ahead of the user/shooter upon the image         in the scope or sight eyepiece having been adjusted by the said         knob to be in focus having been read by virtue of step (ii)—the         elevation of the scope or sight is calibrated by appropriate         rotational adjustment, whilst in the said selected indexing         mode, of the elevation adjustment knob in conjunction with         observing through the scope or sight a target at which the         shooting accuracy of the weapon is visible.

In embodiments of the preceding calibration method, step (iii) may be repeated as many times as may be desired or appropriate with the elevation adjustment knob of the elevation adjustment turret device in a different one of its second, i.e. stepwise-rotatable, or third, i.e. freely-rotatable, rotational modes.

As with use of the viewing window/lens-incorporating cover arrangement of the fifth aspect (or the viewing attachment of the auxiliary fifth aspect) in the above stage (i) of the calibration method of this twelfth aspect, by—prior to the above stage (ii)—axially rotating the cover arrangement back, relative to the scope or sight body, into a rotational position in which the viewing window or lens is generally aligned now with the elevation adjustment turret device, which typically is on an upper side of the scope or sight, it is possible to conveniently view the distance setting dial or indicia on the elevation adjustment turret device with a corresponding advantage of being able to do that without the user/shooter needing to take his/her other eye away from the eyepiece or to de-focus that other eye from the reticle, cross-hairs or other indicia which commonly are located. Again, therefore, this may be advantageous particularly where the weapon is being used in a real-life scenario such as a sporting, competitive, hunting or other outdoor pursuit.

Within the scope of this application it is envisaged and explicitly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, features, examples and alternatives, and in particular any of the variously defined and described individual features thereof, set out in any of the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in any part of the following description and/or accompanying drawings, may be taken and implemented independently or in any combination. For example, features described in connection with one particular embodiment or aspect are to be considered as applicable to and utilisable in all embodiments of all aspects, unless expressly stated otherwise or such features are, in such combinations, incompatible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the present invention in its various aspects will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered as schematic drawings only, in which:

FIG. 1 is a general front perspective view of an air rifle fitted with a telescopic sight incorporating, in combination with each of the ocular (viewing) and objective lenses thereof a respective lens cover arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

FIG. 2a is a front perspective view of a lens cover fitting which is mounted on a respective end of the telescopic sight as shown in FIG. 1 to form the respective lens cover arrangement according to the first aspect embodiment, showing the cover member in its fully closed position;

FIG. 2b is a front perspective view of the lens cover fitting of FIG. 2a , showing the cover member in its 90 degrees-open position;

FIG. 2c is a side-on view of the lens cover fitting as shown in FIG. 2 b;

FIG. 2d is a front perspective view of the lens cover fitting of FIG. 2a , showing the cover member in its 180 degrees-open position;

FIG. 2e is a front perspective view of the lens cover fitting of FIG. 2a , showing the cover member in its 270 degrees-open position;

FIG. 3a is an exploded front perspective photographic view of the principal components and construction of the lens cover fitting of FIGS. 2a -2 e;

FIG. 3b is an exploded front perspective line-drawing view corresponding to FIG. 3 a;

FIG. 4a is an upper perspective view of a typical design of telescopic sight for an air rifle, fitted with a novel lens cover arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the invention, showing the fitting in a left-side-pointing configuration and the viewing lens-containing cover member in its 180 degrees-open position ready for viewing, by virtue of being aligned with, the left-side distance/focussing knob during a first stage of a procedure of distance-calibrating the sight;

FIG. 4b is an enlarged front perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 4 a;

FIG. 4c is a side perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 4a , but showing the fitting, with the viewing lens-containing cover member in its 180 degrees-open position, in an upwardly-pointing configuration ready for viewing the upper elevation adjustment turret during a second stage of the procedure of distance-calibrating the sight;

FIG. 4d is an upper perspective view of the arrangement of FIG. 4 c;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front perspective view of a complete elevation adjustment turret according to an embodiment of the fifth and/or the sixth aspect(s) of the invention, as used for example in the telescopic sight arrangement of FIGS. 4a -4 d;

FIG. 6a is an exploded upper perspective view of the principal components and construction of the elevation adjustment turret of FIG. 5, showing the novel planetary ring gear mechanism of an embodiment of the fifth aspect of the invention, by means of which the calibrated target distance is displayable;

FIG. 6b is an enlarged upper perspective view of the principal components of the arrangement of FIG. 6 a;

FIG. 6c is an enlarged upper perspective view of the scale ring component alone of the mechanism as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6 b:

FIG. 6d is an enlarged upper perspective view of the planetary ring gear unit alone of the mechanism as shown in FIGS. 6a and 6 b;

FIG. 7a is an enlarged cut-away upper perspective view of the principal components of the novel indexing mechanism device incorporated in the elevation adjustment turret of FIG. 5, in accordance with an embodiment of the sixth aspect of the invention, by means of which the elevation turret is selectively indexable into any of a “lock”, or “click”, or “free” rotational indexing operation, this FIG. 7a showing the indexing mechanism in its lowermost “lock” configuration;

FIG. 7b corresponds to FIG. 7a , but shows in side-perspective the mechanism without the external elevation adjustment knob housing, for clarity;

FIG. 7c is an enlarged cut-away upper perspective view corresponding to FIG. 7b , but showing the indexing mechanism in its midway “click” configuration; and

FIG. 7d is an enlarged cut-away upper perspective view corresponding to FIG. 7b , but showing the indexing mechanism in its uppermost “free” configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring firstly to FIG. 1, this is a schematic representation of a weapon or firearm such as an air rifle 1, comprising a body portion 2, stock portion 4, barrel portion 3, and atop the barrel portion 3 mounted or fitted a telescopic scope of sight 8. The scope or sight (which two terms are used generally interchangeably in the art) 8 includes a rearward-facing (i.e. user/shooter-facing) eyepiece unit 10 incorporating an ocular (viewing) lens arrangement for viewing a target field forward of the rifle 1, and a forward-facing objective lens unit 12 containing an objective lens for gathering light from the target field and passing it, via the internal optics of the scope/sight 8, to the eyepiece 10. The internal optics of the scope/sight 8, as well as the means for mounting it on the barrel portion 3 of the rifle 1, may be of any conventional respective types.

Attached to each of the ocular lens unit 10 and the objective lens unit 12 is a respective attachment fitting 20, 30 incorporating a lens cover arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention. Each lens cover attachment fitting 20, 30 may be mounted onto its respective lens unit 10, 12 by a simple interference (i.e. friction) fitting, or alternative it may be secured thereon by a mechanical attachment means such as a screw-threaded or bayonet arrangement. Each cover arrangement 20, 30 is depicted in FIG. 1 with its pivotally hinged cover member in a variety of example pivotal hinged positions in dashed lines, as will be explained in further detail with reference to the more detailed drawings thereof in FIGS. 2a to 2 e.

Referring now to FIGS. 2a to 2e , these show the lens cover arrangement fitting 20 with its lens cover member 40 in a variety of pivotal hinged positions, as defined by the arrangement of magnets incorporated within the hinge arrangement 60, as is described further below. The fitting 20 comprises a collar or sheath 50 via which it is fittable onto the eyepiece body portion 10 of the scope/sight 8. The collar or sheath 50 may if desired or necessary (e.g. in order to provide a secure and tight lens closure) include a peripheral or edge lip or gasket portion 44, against which a peripheral edge region of the cover member 40 may abut or bear when in its (˜0 degrees) closed pivotal position.

The cover member 40 is attached to the collar or sheath portion 50 via a hinge arrangement 60, which comprises a first hinge portion 64 carried by (e.g. integrally formed with) the cover member 40, and located to either side of the first hinge portion 64 are a pair of second hinge portions 62, each of which is carried by (e.g. by virtue of being formed integrally with) the collar or sheath portion 50. Each respective second hinge portion 62 may be attached to the collar or sheath portion 50 by a respective bridging portion 68, e.g. moulded therewith. The two second hinge portions 62 and the first hinge portion 64 all share a common longitudinal hinge axis, about which the cover member 41 is pivotable by hinging so as to assume any selected one of its plurality of pivotal positions, as depicted respective in FIGS. 2a to 2 e.

The cover member 40 comprises a central opaque cover portion 42, e.g. in the form of a disc or plate 42, which is shaped and dimensioned sufficiently to overlie and protect the ocular lens of the scope/sight 8 when the cover member 40 is in its fully closed hinged pivotal position relative to the eyepiece body 10, as depicted in FIG. 2a . For assisting manual manipulation of the cover member 41, it comprises a pair of peripherally protruding lugs or ears 43.

The various elements of the cover fitting 20 may be formed of e.g. a plastics material, such as by any suitable moulding and/or other manufacturing technique, as will be already well understood and practised in the art of rifle scopes.

As shown in each of FIGS. 2a to 2e : the various pivotal positions of the cover member 40 may typically be any of the following (which may be the range of typical relative configurations of the cover member 40 that may often be encountered or needed during normal circumstance of use of a typical air rifle scope/sight 8):

-   -   a fully closed (i.e. ˜0 degrees-closed) position, i.e. in which         the cover member 40 lies generally substantially parallel to and         overlying the exposed scope/sight eyepiece lens which it is to         obscure and protect—as shown in FIG. 2 a;     -   a ˜90 degrees-open position, i.e. in which the cover member 40         lies generally open substantially at a right angle relative to         the exposed scope/sight lens surface, enabling the scope/sight         lens to be viewed via the eyepiece 10—as shown in FIGS. 2b and 2         c;     -   a ˜180 degrees-open position, i.e. in which the cover member 40         lies generally open substantially at a ˜180 degree angle         relative to the exposed lens surface—as shown in FIG. 2d —which         not only enables the scope/sight lens to be viewed via the         eyepiece 10, but also to enable:         -   (i) where such is provided (e.g. as shown in FIG. 4a ), an             observation window or lens 149 mounted within the cover             member 40, once the cover arrangement 20 has been             appropriately rotated axially relative to the scope/sight 8             to which it has been fitted, to view a side             distance/focussing knob 190 of the scope/sight 8 during a             first stage of a procedure of distance-calibrating it;             and/or         -   (ii) where such is provided (e.g. as shown in FIG. 4c or 4             d), an observation window or lens 149 mounted within the             cover member 40, once the cover arrangement 20 has been             appropriately rotated axially relative to a scope/sight 8 to             which it has been fitted, to view an elevation adjustment             turret 200 of the scope/sight 8 during a second stage of a             procedure of distance-calibrating it;     -   a ˜270 degrees-open position, i.e. in which the cover member 40         lies generally open substantially at a ˜270 degree angle         relative to the exposed lens surface, especially open and         pivoted generally backwards and conveniently “out of the way” to         lie substantially adjacent the eyepiece body 10 behind the         lens-incorporating front portion thereof when it is not         needed—as shown in FIG. 2 e.

These various pivotal positions are defined by the arrangement of magnets incorporated within the hinge arrangement 60, which is shown in detail in FIGS. 3a and 3 b.

As shown in those FIGS. 3a and 3b , each of the second hinge portions 62 a, 62 b incorporates, e.g. by having embedded therein during manufacture, a respective group or array of four second magnets 82 a, 82 b, all of which are oriented within each group with their north-south polarities in the same direction and are equi-spaced around the periphery of the respective second hinge portion 62 a, 62 b. Each second magnet 82 a, 82 b takes the form of an elongate cylindrical rod (or alternatively a bar or a body of other elongate shape or cross-section) of a permanent ferromagnetic material, practical examples of which are readily available in the art. Each second magnet 82 a, 82 b is contained or housed within a respective channel, hole or recess 62 ah, 62 bh formed in the respective second hinge portions 62 a, 62 b. Each of the groups or arrays of holes or recesses 62 ah, 62 bh may be closed or sealed by a respective end-plate or disc 89 a, 89 b, each of which may be glued or heat-bonded onto the respective axial end of the respective hinge portion once the various magnets have been appropriately placed or sealed therein. The second magnets 82 a, 82 b in the respective groups or arrays are arranged such that all their respective north poles point in the same direction in the two groups/arrays, and likewise so do all their respective south poles, but in the opposite direction from that of their north poles.

Likewise, the first hinge portion 64 incorporates, e.g. by likewise having embedded therein during manufacture, a pair of two first magnets 84, which are diametrically symmetrically arranged equi-spaced around the periphery of the first hinge portion 64. As with the second magnets 82 a, 82 b, these first magnets 84 are also formed as cylindrical rods (or alternatively bars or bodies of other elongate shape or cross-section) of a permanent ferromagnetic material. These first magnets 84 are both oriented with their north-south polarities in the same direction as each other and in the same orientation as the north-south polarities of the second magnets 82 a, 82 b.

As a result of this physical spatial relative arrangement of the various first 84 and second 82 a, 82 b magnets when the first 64 and second 62 a, 62 b hinge portions are mutually pivoted relative to each other, the bringing together in end-to-end proximity of respective pairs of magnets of and as between the first magnet pair 84 and either of the groups/arrays of second magnets 82 a, 82 b causes the respective adjacent-most magnet pairs to attract one another. In so doing they draw or urge the mutually pivotable hinge portions 62 a, 62 b, 64 of the hinge arrangement 60—and thus the cover member 40 itself—into one specific one of its various pivotal positions, as exemplified in the list above.

By suitably selecting the relative angular positions in each respective hinge portion 64, 62 a, 62 b of the respective first magnets 84 and groups/arrays of second magnets 82 a, 82 b, it may therefore be possible to adjust or control the precise angular pivotal positions into which the cover member 40 is urgeable or forcible under the mutual magnetic attractive force between the various adjacent-most magnet pairs.

In hingedly or pivotally moving the cover member 40 between respective ones of its various pivotal positions, it is only against the repulsive force of like poles of respective pairs of magnets of the first magnets 84 and either group/array of second magnets 82 a, 82 b that it is required to manually push or pivot the cover member about the common hinge axis defined by the first and second hinge portions 64, 62 a, 62 b. Thus, any pivotal displacement of the cover member 40 between respective ones of its various pivotal positions—e.g. as shown variously by way of example in FIGS. 2a to 2e —may be accomplished simply by manual manipulation.

In practical usage this magnetic force-driven control of the cover member 40 into and between different ones of its various pivotal positions relative to the scope/sight body avoids the problem of unwanted “snapping” noises created when a conventional magnetically-closed or mechanically spring-loaded lens cover member, as used in some known designs of rifle scope/sight lens cover arrangement, is employed. Furthermore, it also reduces mechanical wear and fatigue of the relevant moving component parts of the arrangement, thereby leading to improved mechanical integrity and longevity of such scope/sight lens cover arrangements according to this aspect of the invention.

Of course, such embodiments of pivotable cover arrangements according to this aspect of the invention may also be applied more widely to covers for lenses of other kinds of optical instruments, e.g. binoculars, monoculars, spotting scopes, telescopes, and the like.

Turning now to FIGS. 4a to 4d , here there are shown various example in-use configurations on a rifle scope/sight 108 of an embodiment of lens cover arrangement 120 which is a development of that shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Here the cover member 140 has a central portion 142 which itself has incorporated or mounted therein a telescope or magnifying viewing window 149, e.g. of glass or a transparent plastics material. In this embodiment of cover arrangement 120 the collar or sheath 150 is mounted on the scope/sight eyepiece 110 via a rotational fitting, so that the cover arrangement itself can be rotated about the focal axis of the scope/sight 108 from a position—as shown in FIGS. 4a and 4b —in which the viewing window/lens 149 is aligned with a side (e.g. left side) distance/focussing knob 190 of the scope/sight 108 so that an image 1491 of a distance/focussing setting displayed by indicia on the user/shooter-facing side of the knob 190 can be read therefrom through the window/lens 149, into a position—as shown in FIGS. 4c and 4d —in which the viewing window or lens 149 is instead aligned with an upper elevation adjustment turret device 200 of the scope/sight 108 ready for viewing, again through the window/lens 149, an image 1491 of a distance indicator dial thereon, which is used in a second stage of an overall distance-calibration procedure of the scope/sight 108.

Thus, the viewing window/lens 149 fulfils a dual function: firstly, as part of the inherent structure of the cover member 140 itself which overlies and protects the lens of the scope/sight 108 when selectively pivoted into its closed, lens-protecting position, and also secondly, as a means for conveniently viewing the relevant side distance/focussing knob 190 of the scope/sight 108 once the cover arrangement 120 has been rotated appropriately (i.e. if or to any extent necessary) during a first stage of a procedure of distance-calibrating the scope/sight 108. Such a first stage of a procedure for distance-calibrating the scope/sight 108 typically may involve viewing the user/shooter-facing side of the side distance/focussing knob or device 190 (which in many practical example scopes or sights may be on the left hand side thereof) which displays, e.g. on a rotating dial or via graduated indicia, a distance at which a calibrating target lies ahead of the user-shooter upon the image in the scope/sight eyepiece 110 having been adjusted by the said knob or device 190 to be in focus. Such a focus-distance calibration of the knob or device itself is normally factory-set. That read distance on the dial or indicia, as viewed through the viewing window/lens 149, once the arrangement 120 has been rotated appropriately (i.e. if or to any extent necessary) to face the side distance/focussing knob or device 190, may then be used in a second stage of an overall distance-calibration procedure as the basis for an appropriate adjustment of an elevation adjustment turret device 200 of the scope/sight 108.

This above-mentioned second functionality is especially useful in cases where the weapon is being used in a real-life scenario such as a sporting, competitive, hunting or other outdoor pursuit, because it enables the relevant side distance/focusing knob 190 to be viewed by one eye only through the viewing window/lens 149 without the user/shooter needing to take his/her other eye away from the eyepiece 110 or to de-focus that other eye from the reticle, cross-hairs or other indicia which commonly are located in the focal plane (or virtual focal plane) of the scope's eyepiece optical arrangement. Since it is generally the case with human eyes that they always focus themselves onto the same focal plane even when viewing different objects, by designing the optics of the viewing window/lens 149 such as to form the image (or virtual image) 1491 of the side distance/focusing knob 190 in substantially the same focal plane as the image (or virtual image) of the reticle, crosshairs or other indicia in the eyepiece optics, both images may be viewable simultaneously but independently. This may significantly enhance the efficiency of the first stage of the distance calibration procedure of the scope/sight 108, whilst also generally enhancing the user's/shooter's experience of calibrating and using the weapon in the field.

As mentioned earlier herein, in a further development of the above lens cover arrangement 120, instead of the viewing window or lens 149 being provided actually within or as a part of the cover member 140 itself, the viewing window or lens 149 may alternatively be provided mounted in or on any other, alternative mounting means which may itself be mounted on the scope or sight 108 or a body portion 108B, or even the eyepiece 110 thereof.

Thus, as an alternative (although not illustrated in the drawings) embodiment of an auxiliary, but related, fifth aspect of the invention there may be provided a viewing attachment for a weapon scope or sight, in which the attachment comprises

-   -   a carrier member, e.g. an elongate body or element, having a         mounting end portion via which it is mountable on the scope or         sight, and a carrying end portion including carrying means,         wherein the carrier member is mountable on the scope or sight         via the mounting end portion such that it is axially rotatable         relative to a longitudinal focal axis of the scope or sight, and     -   a viewing window or lens mounted in or on the carrying means for         use in viewing therethrough, once the attachment has been         appropriately (which is to say, if or to any extent necessary)         axially rotated relative to the scope or sight body, a side         distance/focussing knob of the scope or sight during a first         stage of a procedure of distance-calibrating the scope or sight.

In many practical respects examples of the above viewing window or lens may be the same as examples of the viewing window or lens 149 as described above in relation to FIGS. 4a to 4d . Furthermore, in examples of such embodiments of viewing attachment the carrier member may comprise any suitable form of rotational mounting means at its mounting end which permits the said axial rotatability, relative to the longitudinal focal axis of the scope or sight, once mounted thereon, especially once mounted on a body portion thereof. Examples of such rotational mounting means may include various types of rotational mounting collars, sheaths or joints, examples of which are well known in the art.

The above developments as regards improved lens cover arrangements (or viewing attachments) and, in certain embodiments thereof, their being usable to enhance the viewing distance indicia on distance/focussing and elevation adjustment turret devices or knobs on typical weapons scopes or sights, have led to some other developments in the context specifically of such elevation adjustment turret devices themselves. Examples of embodiments of such additional aspects of the present invention are the subject of FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 of the drawings, which show schematically in varying degrees of detail and clarity an elevation adjustment turret incorporating various additional features which constitute some further aspects of the invention.

FIG. 5 shows the complete elevation adjustment turret 200 according to such further embodiments of other aspects of the invention, which may be used independently or in combination with any of the foregoing discussed lens cover arrangements (or viewing attachments) according to any embodiments of any other aspect of the invention, e.g. those of FIGS. 2 and/or 4.

FIGS. 6a to 6d show in both exploded and enlarged views the principal components and construction of the elevation adjustment turret device of FIG. 5, showing a novel planetary ring gear mechanism thereof, by means of which the calibrated target distance is displayable to the user/shooter. As shown here, in this embodiment the elevation adjustment turret device 200 comprises generally an upper, grippable knob 230 which is connected to a gear mechanism which comprises a planetary gear mechanism 310. The knob 230 is mounted onto the main body 210 of the turret device 200 securely and fixedly (although optionally removably) to a central axle 218, optionally using any suitable arrangement of one or more appropriately constructed and positioned seal rings or washers (e.g. 232). The knob 230 may be anchorable on the central axle 218 by means of a locking groove 218R or other equivalent locking feature, in combination with grub screws 234 or the like, in accordance with known engineering techniques. The planetary gear mechanism 130 comprises a central gear 310C together with an appropriate number (e.g. three) planetary gears 310P. The planetary gears 310P rotatably drive, upon rotation of the central axle 218 by the knob 230, an internally-toothed (as at 243) distance-indicating dial member 240, whose indicia thereon display to a user/shooter—through a window 229 in an outer shroud member 220—a distance to a target at which that target has already been adjusted—by the side distance/focusing knob 190 (FIG. 4) so as to be in focus. This so-read distance from the dial member 240 can then be used in a second stage of the overall procedure of distance-calibrating the scope/sight.

In this embodiment the planetary gear mechanism 310 is constructed and configured such that when the knob 230 is rotated by a first angular distance or number of revolutions, then the corresponding angular distance or number of revolutions (as the case may be) that the distance-indicating dial member 240 rotates is less than that of the knob 230, in some cases significantly less than that of the knob 230. In other words, the planetary gear mechanism 310 reduces or “compresses” the angular distance of travel of the number of revolutions turned by the distance-indicating dial member 240 in comparison with the angular distance of travel or number of revolutions turned (as the case may be) of the knob 230 itself.

As mentioned hereinabove, in some cases the construction and configuration of the planetary gear mechanism 310 may be such that for every ˜360 degrees rotation of the elevation adjustment knob 230 the distance-indicating dial member 240 only turns by a lesser angle of only, for example, around 180 degrees, or around 120 degrees, or even an angle of around 90 degrees or around 72 degrees or around 60 degrees, or possibly even an angle smaller than this. The effect of this is that the knob 230 may be turned by plural complete (i.e. 360 degrees) turns, e.g. 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 complete turns, or possibly even more than this (if the overall planetary gearing ratio is designed appropriately, as the skilled person will readily be able to determine and practise), whilst the distance-indicating dial member 240 remains within one single revolution. This avoids the problem of the user/shooter forgetting or having to monitor how many revolutions the elevation adjustment knob 230 has been turned during a given second stage of the distance-calibration procedure, since the distance-indicating dial member 240 will always remain within one single revolution—and thus within a single given linear range of indicatable distances displayable thereon. This may be advantageous in typical practical, especially outdoor scenarios, when adrenalin may be high (e.g. leading to shaky fingers), temperatures may be cold (e.g. leading to poor manual dexterity) or mental attention diverted elsewhere.

Going further, the above-mentioned second stage of the overall procedure for distance-calibrating a scope or sight of a weapon, e.g. an air rifle, may be even further enhanced by yet another development of the elevation adjustment turret device 200. Here, and in accordance with another aspect of the invention, the elevation adjustment turret device 200 comprises a novel indexing mechanism, which enables—upon an indexing selector being appropriately actuated—the elevation adjustment turret knob 230 to be controlled so as to be rotatable in any of a plurality of different indexing modes, or optionally locked against rotation, thereby leading to an overall more efficient and more responsive procedure of calibrating the elevation of the scope or sight by appropriate rotational adjustment of the elevation adjustment turret knob 230, as well as maintaining a particular calibration setting when the weapon is longer in active use. An example embodiment of this indexing mechanism is illustrated schematically in FIGS. 7a to 7 d.

The indexing mechanism is constructed and arranged so as to be selectively configurable in each of three indexing modes, wherein:

-   -   (i) in a first indexing mode (labelled “LOCK”, e.g. in FIG. 6b )         the elevation adjustment knob 230 is substantially prevented         from rotating,     -   (ii) in a second indexing mode (labelled “CLICK”, e.g. in FIG.         6b ) in which the elevation adjustment knob 230 is rotatable         with stepped rotation, and     -   (iii) in a third indexing mode (labelled “FREE”, e.g. in FIG. 6b         ) in which the elevation adjustment knob 230 is rotatable with         free unhindered rotation.

The indexing mechanism comprises an indexing selector lever or arm 260, which is operably connected to a non-rotatable indexing elevation body 210 which is selectively moveable into any one of a respective number of elevational indexing positions, which number corresponds to the number of indexing modes. In each respective one of the elevational indexing positions the indexing elevation body brings into rotation control relationship with an internal indexing portion 400 of the elevation adjustment knob 230 a respective one of a plurality of rotation control means. These rotational control means comprise:

-   -   a first rotation control means which corresponds to the first         indexing mode and comprises locking engagement means 500 by         which the elevation adjustment knob 230 is substantially         prevented from rotating relative to the indexing elevation body         210, and     -   a second rotation control means which corresponds to the said         second indexing mode and comprises step-rotation-permitting         engagement means 280B, 280S by which the elevation adjustment         knob 230 is rotatable, especially restricted to being rotatable,         with stepped rotation relative to the indexing elevation body         210, and     -   a third rotation control means which corresponds to the said         third indexing mode and comprises free-rotation-permitting means         600 by which the elevation adjustment knob 230 is rotatable with         free unhindered rotation relative to indexing elevation body         210.

The indexing portion 400 of the elevation adjustment knob 230, into rotation control relationship with which the indexing elevation body 210 brings a respective one of the plurality of rotation control means into a respective one of the elevational indexing positions of the body 210, comprises a band or zonal array, especially of limited height, of a series of grooves or corrugations 400, on an internal wall portion of the elevation adjustment knob 230, which grooves or corrugations 400 are arranged generally around the entire circumference or perimeter of the internal portion or wall of the knob 230, and are all parallel to one another with their longitudinal directions lying generally parallel to the rotational axis of the elevation adjustment knob 230, and also generally parallel to the axis of movement of the indexing elevation body 210 as it moves between its various respective elevational indexing positions.

The grooves or corrugations are shaped and dimensioned, especially with suitable depths and widths, such that the locking engagement means 500 of the first rotation control means, and the step-rotation-permitting engagement means 280B, 280S of the second rotational control means may each selectively be engaged in or with the grooves or corrugations 400 to fulfil their respective locking or step-rotation-permitting function, as the case may be.

The locking engagement means 500, by means of which the elevation adjustment knob 230 is substantially prevented from rotating relative to the (non-rotatable) indexing elevation body 210 when the indexing elevation body 210 is selectively moved into its relevant elevational position by selective elevation or lowering (as appropriate) under actuation and/or control of the indexing selector lever or arm 260, are constituted by a series or array of a plurality of locking lugs or protrusions 500 arranged on the peripheral portion of the indexing elevation body 210. These locking lugs or protrusions 500 are spaced equi-angularly around that peripheral body portion, in order to enhance or facilitate their locking function when engaged into, by longitudinal sliding into, respective ones of the grooves or corrugations 400 in the internal grooved or corrugated zone of the knob 230. The locking lugs or protrusions 500 are formed as integral protrusions or lugs extending at least radially outwards from the outer periphery of the elevation body 210, such as by virtue of being integrally moulded therewith. The inherent rigidity and strength of the material from which the body 210, and thus the lugs or protrusions 500, are formed thus provides the lugs or protrusions 500 with the required degree of rigidity and strength to ensure that, once they are located within respective ones of the grooves or corrugations 400, they cannot easily be withdrawn therefrom by lateral or axial displacement. This therefore helps to ensure that the elevation adjustment knob 230 is substantially prevented from rotating, relative to the (non-rotatable) body 210, once the lugs or protrusions 500 have been located in the relevant grooves/corrugations 400 upon the elevation body 210 being selectively moved (by raising or lowering, as appropriate), under actuation and/or control of the indexing selector lever or arm 260, into its respective elevational position corresponding to the first indexing mode of the device.

In this manner of providing the elevation adjustment turret device 200 of this embodiment with the capability of selectively locking the elevation adjustment knob 230 in a fixed relative rotational position with respect to the remainder of the turret device 200, it enables a user or shooter to maintain a particular distance calibration setting of the scope or sight when the weapon is longer in active use, e.g. upon it being stored or carried from place to place, without leading to risk that an unintentional or accidental rotating of the knob may alter or upset an existing distance calibration setting thereof.

The step-rotation-permitting engagement means 280B, 280S, by means of which the elevation adjustment knob 230 is rotatable, especially restricted to being rotatable, with stepped rotation, relative to the (non-rotatable) indexing elevation body 210 when the indexing elevation body 210 is selectively moved into its relevant elevational position by selective elevation or lowering (as appropriate) under actuation and/or control of the indexing selector lever or arm 260, are constituted by a series of a plurality of resilient step-engagement elements 280B, 280S arranged on or in the peripheral portion of the indexing elevation body 210, below the zone thereof containing the locking engagements 500. These resilient step-engagement elements 280B. 280S are spaced equi-angularly around that peripheral portion of the body 210, in order to enhance or facilitate their step-engagement function and operability when resiliently step-engaged into, e.g. by lateral or axial placement or “clicking” or “snapping” into, respective ones of the said grooves or corrugations 400 in the internal grooved or corrugated zone of the knob 230.

The resilient step-engagement elements 280B, 280S each comprise a spring-loaded, or otherwise resiliently mounted, engagement element, e.g. in the form of an engagement ball or spigot 280B (which spigot, if used, is rounded or arcuate-ended), each of which is mounted in a respective radially-oriented channel or recess 282 with a coil spring 280S seated in the bottom thereof and supporting the ball 280B above it. In this manner, a spring-loading type of retention of the various step-engagement elements 280B is provided, which enables the relevant spring-loaded elements 280B to be “snapped” into and between adjacent grooves or corrugations 400 in the relevant internal zone of the elevation adjustment knob 230 (once the (non-rotatable) elevation body 210 has been raised or lowered (as appropriate) into its relevant position, thereby leading to an incremental, stepwise, movement of the adjustment knob 230 as it is manually rotated when the elevation body 210 has been moved into its relevant elevation position. The stiffness of the springs 280S may be selected appropriately to give any desired level of resilient step-engagement force that may be required of the arrangement.

Thus, when the elevation body 210 has been appropriately positioned, by selective elevation or lowering (as appropriate) under actuation and/or control of the indexing selector lever or arm 260, into its step-engagement elevational position (corresponding to the second indexing mode), as the elevation adjustment knob 230 is rotated it is permitted or forced to do so in a stepwise manner. In this manner of providing the elevation adjustment turret device 200 of this embodiment with the capability of selectively restricting rotation of the elevation adjustment knob 230 to a stepwise rotation capability only, this may lead to an enhanced degree of selective control of the knob 230 during a second stage of a distance calibration procedure, when maybe a free/unhindered rotation thereof is not appropriate or wanted, as the scope or sight is distance-calibrated for projectile accuracy at a target. This therefore may lead to an overall more efficient and more responsive procedure of calibrating the elevation of the scope or sight by appropriate rotational adjustment of the elevation adjustment turret knob.

In the provision of both the above-described locking engagement means 500 and step-rotation-permitting engagement means 280B. 280S, each respective one of these means is provided in its own discrete axial position, region or zone on or in the peripheral portion of the elevation body 210. For example the respective locking engagement means 500 and step-rotation-permitting engagement means 280B, 280S may be located axially adjacent, yet axially separated by a short distance from each other, in order not to interfere with one another when the (non-rotatable) elevation body 210 is selectively moved (by elevation or lowering, as the case may be) into the respective elevational position in which each of the above-defined locking engagement 500 or step-rotation-permitting 2808, 280S means becomes, in combination with the grooved/corrugated internal zone 400 of the knob 230, operative. In a typical example, as shown in the Figures, the locking engagement means 500 may be provided axially above the step-rotation-permitting means 280B, 280S.

The free-rotation-permitting means 600 of the third rotation control means, by means of which the elevation adjustment knob 230 is rotatable with free unhindered rotation, relative to the (non-rotatable) indexing elevation body 210 when the indexing elevation body 210 is selectively moved by selective elevation or lowering under actuation and/or control of the indexing selector lever or arm 260, is constituted by a simple unhindered track, surface, channel or groove 600 (FIG. 7a ) arranged circumferentially therearound on the periphery or a peripheral portion of the indexing elevation body 210.

In this manner of providing the elevation adjustment turret device 200 with the capability of selectively enabling free, unhindered rotation of the elevation adjustment knob 230 of the device 200, this leads to an enhanced degree of freedom and operability of the knob 230 during a second stage of a distance calibration procedure, when maybe a stepwise rotation thereof is not appropriate or wanted, as the scope or sight is distance-calibrated for projectile accuracy at a target. This therefore may lead to an overall more efficient and more responsive procedure of calibrating the elevation of the scope or sight by appropriate rotational adjustment of the elevation adjustment turret knob 230.

The indexing selector lever or arm 260 which is operably connected to the indexing elevation body 210 so that it is selectively moveable into any one of the respective number of elevational indexing positions (corresponding to the respective indexing modes), comprises a pivotable indexing selector lever or arm 260 which carries or has connected thereto a pivotable cam device 240C1, 240C2, 240C3 constructed and configured to define each of the said elevational indexing positions.

The cam device comprises at least one cam member 240C1, 240C2, 240C3 each comprising an inclined, and/or optionally straight or arcuate, cam surface interrupted by three discrete land portions 240C1L, 240C2L, 240C3L of different elevational heights relative to each other and/or relative to the remainder of the device, wherein each land portion 240C1L, 240C2L, 240C3L is selectively abuttable or engageable, by pivotal rotation of the elevation body 210 by the selector lever or arm 260, by a or a respective one of a plurality of seating portions or members 260S1, 260S2, 260S3 of the elevation body 210, especially provided or formed on an underside or underside portion thereof. Thus, on each cam member 240C1, 240C2, 240C3, each of the three land portions 240C1L, 240C2L, 240C3L defines a unique respective elevated seating position in which the elevation body 210 may be placed in, upon appropriate position of the indexing lever or arm 260. Thus, on each cam member 240C1, 240C2, 240C3, the three land portions that are provided each correspond respectively to one of the above-defined first, second and third elevational indexing positions of the elevation body 210.

The land portions 240C1L, 240C2L, 240C3L are uniformly distributed along the length of each cam member's cam surface, and are each substantially flat, especially horizontal, or possibly even concave or recessed, to enhance their seating portion-retaining function. The respective portions of each of the cam surfaces between the respective land portions constitute riding portions, along which a respective seating portion 260S1, 260S2, 260S3 of the elevation body 210 abuttingly ride, e.g. by sliding, as it moves from one land to another upon pivoting of the indexing lever or arm 260 between different ones of its various pivotal indexing positions.

The three like ones of the above-defined cam members 240C1, 240C2, 240C3 are each mounted or formed in a discrete rotational position in the device on a common pivot plate or base portion 250 thereof, with the corresponding or associated three respective seating portions or members 260S1, 260S2, 260S3 being provided or formed on a common underside or underside portion of the elevation body 210. Both the cam members 240C1, 240C2, 240C3 and the seating portions or members 260S1, 260S2, 260S3 are arranged equi-angularly on and around the peripheries of their respective common pivot plate or base portion 250 and common underside or underside portion of the elevation body 210. The common plate or base portion 250 is operably connected to the indexing selector lever or arm 260, in order that pivoting of the latter into any one of its selected pivotal positions (as indicated schematically by the curved arrows towards the right-hand sides of FIGS. 7a to 7d ) causes the common pivot plate or base portion 250 to be likewise pivoted, thereby pivotally rotating the respective cam members 240C1, 240C2, 240C3, each with its respective plural land portions 240C1L, 240C2L, 240C3L, for abutment with the relevant seating portions or members 260S1, 260S2, 260S3.

As already mentioned and discussed earlier herein, the above elevation adjustment turret device 200 incorporating the new indexing mechanism may be usefully employed in a second stage of an overall distance-calibrating procedure of a weapon scope or sight into which it is incorporated. Thus, in general terms such an overall method of calibrating a scope or sight of a weapon, e.g. an air rifle, comprises:

-   -   (i) preliminarily, providing or fitting the weapon with a         scope/sight comprising a lens cover arrangement according to any         embodiment discussed above in relation to, and as illustrated         in, FIGS. 4a to 4d (or a viewing attachment according to the         auxiliary aspect corresponding thereto), and/or an elevation         adjustment turret device according to any embodiment discussed         above in relation to, and as illustrated in, any of FIG. 5, 6 a         to 6 d, or 7 a to 7 d;     -   and at least one or more of the following stages:     -   (ii) in the case of the lens cover arrangement as in FIGS. 4a to         4d (or the viewing attachment of the auxiliary aspect         corresponding thereto) being present, a first         distance-calibration stage comprising viewing through the         viewing window or lens 149 in the cover member 140 (or through         the viewing window or lens in the viewing attachment, as the         case may be), once the cover arrangement 120 (or viewing         attachment, as the case may be) has been appropriately (which is         to say, if or to any extent necessary) axially rotated relative         to the scope or sight body 110, a user/shooter-facing side of a         side distance/focussing knob 190 of the scope or sight 108,         whereby the user/shooter is able to read on a display on that         knob a distance at which a calibrating target lies ahead of the         user/shooter upon the image 1491 in the scope or sight eyepiece         110 having been adjusted by the said knob 190 to be in focus;         and/or     -   (iii) in the case of the elevation adjustment turret device as         in any of FIGS. 5, 6 a to 6 d, or 7 a to 7 d being present, a         second distance-calibration stage comprising:         -   (a) actuating the indexing selector lever or arm 260, by             pivoting it, to position the elevation body 210 in a             selected one of the first (260L) or second (260C) or third             (260F) indexing elevational positions, relative to the             elevation adjustment knob 230, corresponding to a respective             one of the first or second or third indexing modes of             rotation of the elevation adjustment knob 230; and         -   (b) rotating the elevation adjustment knob 230 in the said             selected indexing mode of rotation;     -   whereby—optionally on the basis of a distance at which a         calibrating target lies ahead of the user/shooter upon the image         1491 in the scope or sight eyepiece 110 having been adjusted by         the said knob 190 to be in focus having been read by virtue of         step (ii)—the elevation of the scope or sight 108 is calibrated         by appropriate rotational adjustment, whilst in the said         selected indexing mode, of the elevation adjustment knob 230 in         conjunction with observing through the scope or sight 108 a         target at which the shooting accuracy of the weapon is visible.

In embodiments of the preceding calibration method, step (iii) may be repeated as many times as may be desired or appropriate with the elevation adjustment knob 230 of the elevation adjustment turret device 200 in a different one of its second, i.e. stepwise-rotatable, or third, i.e. freely-rotatable, rotational modes.

Generally speaking, however, in the above stage (iii) the manner of incremental, or “trial and error” step-wise adjustment of the elevation of the sight or scope 108—based on an observed (i.e. through the scope/sight's eyepiece 110) degree of accuracy (or non-accuracy) at the target, whose distance from the user/shooter is known by having been predetermined in stage (ii), may follow conventional practices in the art of distance-calibration of weapons scopes/sights.

And furthermore, as with use of the viewing window/lens-incorporating cover arrangement 140 of FIGS. 4a to 4d (or the auxiliary aspect corresponding thereto), in the above stage (i) of the above calibration method, by—prior to the above stage (ii)—axially rotating the cover arrangement 140 (or viewing attachment, as the case may be) back, relative to the scope or sight eyepiece body 110, into a rotational position in which the viewing window or lens 149 is generally aligned now with the elevation adjustment turret device 200, which typically is on an upper side of the scope or sight 108, it is possible to conveniently view the distance setting dial or indicia 249 (FIG. 6b ) on the elevation adjustment turret device 200 with a corresponding advantage of being able to do that without the user/shooter needing to take his/her other eye away from the eyepiece 110 or to de-focus that other eye from the reticle, cross-hairs or other indicia which commonly are located. Again, therefore, this may be advantageous particularly where the weapon is being used in a real-life scenario such as a sporting, competitive, hunting or other outdoor pursuit.

Some aspects of the present invention may be understood by reference to the following numbered clauses:

1. A cover arrangement for a lens of an optical instrument, the arrangement comprising

-   -   a cover member hingedly articulatable with respect to a body of         the optical instrument, the cover member being selectively         positionable in any of a plurality of pivotal positions relative         to the instrument body by means of a hinge via which the cover         member is mountable on the instrument body,     -   wherein the hinge comprises one or more magnets arranged to         define each of the said plurality of pivotal positions of the         cover member relative to the instrument body.

2. A cover arrangement according to clause 1, which is provided in situ as an incorporated component of the inherent construction of the optical instrument body, or a lens-incorporating body portion of the optical instrument, itself, wherein the cover member is mounted on the body of the optical instrument such as to be hingedly articulated with respect thereto, the cover member being selectively positionable in any of the plurality of pivotal positions relative to the instrument body by means of the hinge via which the cover member is mounted on the instrument body.

3. A cover arrangement according to clause 2, wherein at least a portion of the hinge is constituted by a portion of the instrument body or body portion itself.

4. A cover arrangement according to clause 2 or clause 3, which is provided in the form of a separate attachment or fitting which comprises an attachment portion for fitment to a lens-incorporating body portion of the optical instrument, wherein the attachment portion carries the hinge via which the cover member is hingedly articulated with respect to the attachment portion and thus hingedly articulatable with respect to the instrument body portion once the attachment or fitting has been fitted thereon, the cover member being selectively positionable in any of the plurality of pivotal positions relative to the attachment portion by means of the hinge via which the cover member is hingedly articulated with respect thereto.

5. A cover arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein the cover arrangement is attachable or attached to the instrument body, or a lens-incorporating body portion thereof, by means of a joint which itself permits relative rotation of the cover arrangement relative to a general longitudinal direction corresponding to, or parallel to, or substantially coincident with, a longitudinal focal axis of the instrument.

6. A cover arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein the cover member comprises a cover portion which is shaped and dimensioned sufficiently to overlie and protect the relevant lens of the instrument when the cover member is in a fully closed pivoted position relative to the instrument body.

7. A cover arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein either:

-   -   (i) a central cover disc or plate portion of the cover member is         of opaque material, or     -   (ii) a central cover disc or plate portion of the cover member         incorporates or has mounted therein a viewing window or lens.

8. A cover arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein the cover member is selectively positionable in any of a plurality of different, discrete pivotal positions, relative to the instrument body, as defined by the one or more magnets incorporated in the hinge arrangement.

9. A cover arrangement according to clause 8, wherein the said plural pivotal positions are selected from any of the following:

-   -   (i) a fully closed (i.e. ˜0 degrees-closed) position, i.e. in         which the cover member lies generally substantially parallel to         and overlying the exposed instrument lens outer surface which it         is to obscure and protect;     -   (ii) a ˜90 degrees-open position, i.e. in which the cover member         lies generally open substantially at a right angle relative to         the exposed instrument lens surface, enabling the instrument         lens to be viewed via the eyepiece or light from an observation         or target field to enter it, as the case may be;     -   (iii) a ˜180 degrees-open position, i.e. in which the cover         member lies generally open substantially at a ˜180 degree angle         relative to the exposed lens surface;     -   (iv) a ˜270 degrees-open position, i.e. in which the cover         member lies generally open substantially at a ˜270 degree angle         relative to the exposed lens surface, especially open and         pivoted generally backwards and conveniently “out of the way” to         lie substantially adjacent the instrument body behind the         lens-incorporating portion thereof when it is not needed.

10. A cover arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein the hinge comprises at least two magnets, optionally one or more pairs of magnets which are arranged in mutual spatial relationship and with relative polarities and orientations within each pair of magnets such as to define each respective one of the relative pivotal positions of the cover member.

11. A cover arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein the hinge comprises or incorporates a first hinge portion carried by the cover member and at least one second hinge portion carried on the instrument body or the attachment portion of the attachment or fitting which is fittable thereto, as the case may be, the first hinge portion being pivotable relative to the second hinge portion, wherein the first hinge portion comprises or incorporates at least one first magnet, and the second hinge portion comprises at least one group or array of a plurality of second magnets each distributed within that group or array such as to define a respective one of the said relative pivotal positions of the cover member as the cover member is pivoted by means of the hinge and the at least one first magnet comes into attractive mutual positioning with respect to a relevant one of the plurality of second magnets in that group/array.

12. A cover arrangement according to clause 11, wherein the various second magnets of the or the respective group or array are each arranged with their magnetic polarities in substantially the same spatial orientation as each other, and the or each first magnet is arranged and oriented with its polarity being substantially in the same spatial orientation as those of the second magnets, whereby the mutual attraction between a “north” pole of the at least one first magnet (in the first hinge portion carried by the cover member) and a “south” pole of a respective one of the second magnets (in a second hinge portion provide on the instrument body or the attachment or fitting fittable thereto), and/or the mutual attraction between a “south” pole of the at least one first magnet (in the first hinge portion carried by the cover member) and a “north” pole of a respective one of the second magnets (in a second hinge portion provide on the instrument body or the attachment or fitting fittable thereto), define(s) a mutual relative positioning of the two hinge portions which draws them into a predefined mutual pivotal position relative to each other which thereby defines a respective one of the said relative pivotal positions of the cover member.

13. A cover arrangement according to clause 11 or clause 12, wherein the first and second hinge portions define a common hinge or pivot axis, about which the two hinge portions are pivotable relative to each other.

14. A cover arrangement according to clause 13, wherein the various second magnets of the or the respective group or array thereof are distributed equi-angularly and/or are equi-spaced around the common hinge or pivot axis, whereby the resulting defined relative pivotal positions of the cover member are likewise equi-angularty distributed relative to each other.

15. A cover arrangement according to any one of clauses 11 to 14, wherein the various second magnets are located proximal to or radially towards an exterior outer circumference or outer periphery of the or the respective second hinge portion, as are also (but independently) the one or more first magnets in or on the first hinge portion.

16. A cover arrangement according to any one of clauses 11 to 15, wherein the various first and second magnets are all oriented in space such as to lie with their various polar axes (which is to say each with its longitudinal axis passing through the respective magnet body from its “north” to its “south” pole) generally substantially parallel to each other, but with (a) the various second magnets of the or the respective group, and (b) the one or more first magnets, being oriented relative to each other such that any second magnet (a) has its “north” pole oriented towards or nearest to a “south” pole of any magnet (b), and any second magnet (a) has its “south” pole oriented towards or nearest to a “north” pole of any magnet (b).

17. A cover arrangement according to any one of clauses 11 to 16, wherein each respective one of the various relative pivotal positions of the cover member is defined by a respective pair of first and second magnets coming into axial alignment with each other upon being mutually attracted to each other by virtue of their mutually opposite polarity.

18. A cover arrangement according to any one of clauses 11 to 17, wherein the hinge comprises a pair of second hinge portions located to either side of a central first hinge portion (being that carried by the cover member), and wherein there are provided two groups of second magnets, one respective group in each respective one of the second hinge portions.

19. A cover arrangement according to clause 18, wherein the second magnets in a first group in the first hinge portion are spatially oriented with their polarities oriented the same as those of the second magnets in a second group in the second hinge portion, whereby the second magnets in each respective one of the first and second groups act in a corresponding manner in relation to the one or more first magnets in the first hinge portion located between the pair of second hinge portions.

20. A cover arrangement according to any one of clauses 11 to 19, wherein the first hinge member comprises or incorporates just one single first magnet, so that the relative pivotal positions of the cover member are defined by the relative positioning, relative to that single first magnet, of individual ones of the group or array of second magnets.

21. A cover arrangement according to any one of clauses 11 to 19, wherein the first hinge member comprises or incorporates a plurality of, optionally at least one pair of, first magnets, suitably distributed symmetrically so that the relative pivotal positions of the cover member are defined by the relative positioning, relative to each of those first magnets, of opposite pairs of the group or array of second magnets.

22. A cover arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein the or each magnet is in the form of a cylindrical or tubular rod or other elongate body of, or containing, a permanent ferromagnetic material.

23. A cover arrangement according to any preceding clause, wherein the or each magnet is embedded in the material of the or the respective hinge component(s).

24. An optical instrument comprising one or more lenses, together with respective one or more cover arrangements according any one of clauses 1 to 23.

25. An optical instrument according to clause 24, which is a scope or sight of a weapon or firearm.

26. A scope or sight of a weapon or firearm, being the optical instrument according to clause 25, comprising a or a respective cover arrangement according to any one of clauses 1 to 23 applied to at least an ocular (eyepiece) lens thereof, and optionally a further independently selected cover arrangement according to any one of clauses 1 to 23 applied to an objective lens thereof.

27. A weapon or firearm comprising or fitted with a scope or sight according to clause 26.

28. A method of selectively providing visual access to a lens of an optical instrument, optionally a scope or sight of a weapon or firearm, comprising:

-   -   (i) providing the optical instrument with, or mounting on a         lens-incorporating body portion of the optical instrument, a or         a respective cover arrangement according to any one of clauses 1         to 23;     -   (ii) selectively pivotally moving the cover member about the         hinge into a respective one of the said plurality of pivotal         positions relative to the instrument body such as to reveal the         said lens surface to allow visual access thereto, wherein the         said one of the said plurality of pivotal positions of the cover         member is a non-0-degrees position thereof relative to the         instrument body.

29. A cover arrangement for a lens of a weapon or firearm scope or sight, the arrangement comprising

-   -   a cover member hingedly articulatable with respect to a body of         the scope or sight, the cover member being selectively         positionable in any of a plurality of pivotal positions relative         to the scope or sight body by means of a hinge via which the         cover member is mountable on the scope or sight body,     -   wherein the cover arrangement is mountable on the scope or sight         body such as to be axially rotatable relative to a longitudinal         focal axis of the scope or sight,     -   and wherein the cover member comprises a viewing window or lens         therein for use in viewing therethrough, once the cover         arrangement has been appropriately (which is to say, if or to         any extent necessary) axially rotated relative to the scope or         sight body, a side distance/focussing knob of the scope or sight         during a first stage of a procedure of distance-calibrating the         scope or sight.

30. A cover arrangement according to clause 29, wherein the cover arrangement is attachable or attached to the scope or sight body by means of a joint, fixing or fitting which permits or enables the cover arrangement to be rotated, by manual manipulation, about the longitudinal focal axis of the scope or sight, relative to the scope or sight body, to any necessary or desired angular extent to permit the relevant side distance/focussing knob of the scope or sight to be viewed via the viewing window or lens.

31. A cover arrangement according to clause 29 or clause 30, wherein the viewing window or lens is a telescopic or magnifying window or lens.

32. A cover arrangement according to clause 31, wherein the optics of the telescopic or magnifying viewing window or lens in the cover member are constructed and configured such that an image (or virtual image) of the relevant side distance/focusing knob is formed in substantially the same focal plane as the image (or virtual image) of the reticle or crosshairs or other indicia in the eyepiece optics of the scope or sight.

33. A viewing attachment for a weapon or firearm scope or sight, the attachment comprising

-   -   a carrier member having a mounting end portion via which it is         mountable on the scope or sight, and a carrying end portion         including carrying means, wherein the carrier member is         mountable on the scope or sight via the mounting end portion         such that it is axially rotatable relative to a longitudinal         focal axis of the scope or sight, and     -   a viewing window or lens mounted in or on the carrying means for         use in viewing therethrough, once the attachment has been         appropriately (which is to say, if or to any extent necessary)         axially rotated relative to the scope or sight body, a side         distance/focussing knob of the scope or sight during a first         stage of a procedure of distance-calibrating the scope or sight.

34. A viewing attachment according to clause 33, wherein the carrier member comprises an elongate body or body element having a rotational mounting means at its mounting end which permits the said axial rotatability, relative to the longitudinal focal axis of the scope or sight, once mounted thereon, and wherein the said rotational mounting means comprises a rotational mounting collar, sheath or joint.

35. An elevation adjustment turret device for a weapon or firearm scope or sight, the device comprising

-   -   a rotatable elevation adjustment knob connected to a gear         mechanism via which a distance-indicating dial is rotatable,         upon rotation of the knob, to display to a user/shooter a         distance to a target which is usable to distance-calibrate the         scope or sight for projectile accuracy at that target,     -   wherein the said gear mechanism comprises a planetary gear         mechanism.

36. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 35, wherein the planetary gear mechanism is constructed and configured such that when the said knob is rotated by a first angular distance or number of revolutions, then the corresponding angular distance or number of revolutions (as the case may be) that the distance-indicating dial rotates is less than that of the knob, optionally significantly less than that of the knob.

37. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 35 or clause 36, wherein the construction and configuration of the planetary gear mechanism is such that for every ˜360 degrees rotation of the elevation adjustment knob the distance-indicating dial only turns by an angle of around 180 degrees, or around 120 degrees, or around 90 degrees or around 72 degrees or around 60 degrees, whereby the knob can be turned by, respectively, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 complete turns whilst the distance-indicating dial remains within one single revolution.

38. A scope or sight for a weapon or firearm comprising an elevation adjustment turret device according to any one of clauses 35 to 37, or a weapon or firearm comprising or fitted with a said scope or sight.

39. An elevation adjustment turret device for a weapon or firearm scope or sight, the device comprising

-   -   a rotatable elevation adjustment knob connected to a gear         mechanism via which a distance-indicating dial is rotatable,         upon rotation of the knob, to display to a user/shooter a         distance to a target which is usable to distance-calibrate the         scope or sight for projectile accuracy at that target,     -   wherein the turret device further comprises an indexing         mechanism constructed and arranged so as to be selectively         configurable in each of at least two, optionally in each of at         least three, indexing modes,     -   wherein in a first indexing mode the elevation adjustment knob         is substantially prevented from rotating,     -   and wherein in at least one second indexing mode the elevation         adjustment knob is rotatable in an indexing mode selected from         at least one of (i) stepped rotation, and/or (ii) free         unhindered rotation.

40. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 39, wherein the indexing mechanism is constructed and arranged so as to be selectively configurable, in addition to the said first indexing mode, selectively in each of:

-   -   (i) a second indexing mode in which the elevation adjustment         knob is rotatable with stepped rotation, and     -   (ii) a third indexing mode in which the elevation adjustment         knob is rotatable with free unhindered rotation.

41. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 39 or clause 40, wherein the indexing mechanism comprises an indexing selector in the form of an indexing selector lever or arm which is operably connected to an indexing elevation body which is selectively moveable into any one of a respective number of elevational indexing positions, which number corresponds to the number of indexing modes,

-   -   wherein in each respective one of said elevational indexing         positions the indexing elevation body brings into rotation         control relationship with the elevation adjustment knob,         optionally into rotation control relationship with an internal         indexing portion of the said knob, a respective one of a         plurality of rotation control means,     -   wherein a first rotation control means corresponds to the said         first indexing mode and comprises locking engagement means by         which the elevation adjustment knob is substantially prevented         from rotating relative to the indexing elevation body         (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation         adjustment turret device),     -   and wherein at least a second rotation control means corresponds         to a said second indexing mode and comprises at least one of (i)         step-rotation-permitting engagement means by which the elevation         adjustment knob is rotatable, or restricted to being rotatable,         with stepped rotation relative to the indexing elevation body         (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation         adjustment turret device), and/or (ii) free-rotation-permitting         means by which the elevation adjustment knob is rotatable with         free unhindered rotation relative to the indexing elevation body         (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation         adjustment turret device).

42. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 41, wherein the plurality of rotation control means comprise:

-   -   a first rotation control means which corresponds to the said         first indexing mode and comprises locking engagement means by         which the elevation adjustment knob is substantially prevented         from rotating relative to the indexing elevation body         (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation         adjustment turret device), and     -   a second rotation control means which corresponds to the said         second indexing mode and comprises step-rotation-permitting         engagement means by which the elevation adjustment knob is         rotatable, especially restricted to being rotatable, with         stepped rotation relative to the indexing elevation body         (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation         adjustment turret device), and     -   a third rotation control means which corresponds to the said         third indexing mode and comprises free-rotation-permitting means         by which the elevation adjustment knob is rotatable with free         unhindered rotation relative to indexing elevation body         (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the turret         device).

43. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 41 or clause 42, wherein an indexing portion of the elevation adjustment knob, into rotation control relationship with which the indexing elevation body brings a respective one of the plurality of rotation control means into a respective one of the elevational indexing positions of the body, comprises an array or band or zone of a series of grooves or corrugations, optionally on an internal portion or internal wall of the elevation adjustment knob.

44. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 43, wherein the series of grooves or corrugations is arranged generally around the circumference or perimeter of, optionally substantially over the whole of the circumference or perimeter of, the internal portion or wall of the knob, optionally the grooves or corrugations being arranged all parallel to one another with their longitudinal directions lying generally parallel to the rotational axis of the elevation adjustment knob, and optionally generally parallel to the axis of movement of the indexing elevation body as it moves between its various respective elevational indexing positions.

45. An elevation adjustment turret device according to any one of clauses 41 to 44, wherein the locking engagement means of the first rotation control means, by means of which the elevation adjustment knob can be substantially prevented from rotating relative to the indexing elevation body (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation adjustment turret device) when the indexing elevation body is selectively moved into its relevant elevational position, is constituted or provided by at least one, optionally a series or array of a plurality of, locking lugs or protrusions arranged on the periphery or a peripheral portion of the indexing elevation body.

46. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 45, wherein the plurality of locking lugs or protrusions are spaced equi-angularly around the said periphery or peripheral portion of the body, in order to enhance or facilitate their locking function when engaged into, optionally by longitudinal sliding into, respective ones of the said grooves or corrugations in the internal grooved or corrugated zone of the knob.

47. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 45 or clause 46, wherein the locking lugs or protrusions are formed as integral protrusions or lugs extending at least radially outwards from the outer periphery of the elevation body, optionally by virtue of being integrally moulded therewith.

48. An elevation adjustment turret device according to any one of clauses 41 to 47, wherein the step-rotation-permitting engagement means of the second rotation control means, by means of which the elevation adjustment knob is rotatable, or restricted to being rotatable, with stepped rotation, relative to the indexing elevation body (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation adjustment turret device) when the indexing elevation body is selectively moved into its relevant elevational position, is constituted or provided by at least one, optionally a series or array of a plurality of, resilient step-engagement elements arranged on or in the periphery or a peripheral portion of the indexing elevation body.

49. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 48, wherein the plurality of resilient step-engagement elements are spaced equi-angularly around the said periphery or peripheral portion of the body, in order to enhance or facilitate their step-engagement function and operability when resiliently step-engaged into, optionally by lateral or axial placement or “clicking” or “snapping” into, respective ones of the said grooves or corrugations in the internal grooved or corrugated zone of the knob.

50. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 48 or clause 49, wherein the resilient step-engagement elements each comprise a spring-loaded, or otherwise resiliently mounted, engagement element, optionally in the form of an engagement ball or spigot.

51. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 50, wherein the or each resiliently mounted engagement element is mounted in a respective radially-oriented channel or recess, with a spring or other resilient member seated in the bottom thereof, and supporting the engagement element above it, whereby a spring-loading type of retention of the various step-engagement elements is provided.

52. An elevation adjustment turret device according to any one of clauses 42 to 51, wherein both the said locking engagement means and step-rotation-permitting engagement means are provided, and wherein each respective one of the said engagement and step-rotation-permitting means is provided in its own discrete axial position or region or zone on or in the periphery or peripheral portion of the of elevation body.

53. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 52, wherein the respective locking engagement means and step-rotation-permitting engagement means are located axially adjacent, yet axially separated by a short distance from each other, in order not to interfere with one another when the elevation body is selectively moved (by elevation or lowering, as the case may be) into the respective elevational position in which each of the above-defined locking engagement or step-rotation-permitting means becomes, in combination with the grooved/corrugated internal zone of the knob, operative, optionally further wherein the locking engagement means is provided axially above the step-rotation-permitting means.

54. An elevation adjustment turret device according to any one of clauses 42 to 53, wherein the free-rotation-permitting means of the third rotation control means, by means of which the elevation adjustment knob is rotatable with free unhindered rotation, relative to the indexing elevation body (optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation adjustment turret device) when the indexing elevation body is selectively moved, is constituted or provided by an unhindered track, surface, channel or groove on the periphery or a peripheral portion of the indexing elevation body.

55. An elevation adjustment turret device according to any one of clauses 41 to 54. wherein the said indexing selector is operably connected to the indexing elevation body so that it is selectively moveable into any one of the respective number of elevational indexing positions (corresponding to the respective indexing modes), and comprises a pivotable indexing selector lever or arm which carries or has connected thereto a pivotable cam device constructed and configured to define each of the said elevational indexing positions.

56. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 55, wherein the cam device comprises at least one cam member, the or each cam member comprising a cam surface interrupted by at least two, optionally three, discrete land portions of different elevational heights relative to each other (and/or relative to the remainder of the device), wherein each land portion is selectively abuttable or engageable, by pivotal rotation of the elevation body by the selector lever or arm, by a or a respective one of a plurality of seating portions or members of the elevation body, especially provided or formed on an underside or underside portion thereof, whereby each land portion defines a unique respective elevated seating position in which the elevation body may be placed in, upon appropriate position of the indexing lever or arm.

57. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 56, wherein either:

-   -   (i) where two said land portions are provided, these correspond         respectively to each of the said first and at least one of the         second elevational indexing positions of the elevation body; or     -   (ii) where three said land portions are provided, these         correspond respectively to each of the said first, second and         third elevational indexing positions of the elevation body.

58. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 56 or clause 57, wherein the land portions are uniformly distributed along the length of the cam surface, and each land portion is substantially flat, or optionally concave or recessed, to enhance their seating portion-retaining function.

59. An elevation adjustment turret device according to any one of clauses 56 to 58, wherein the respective portions of the cam surface between the respective land portions constitute riding portions along which a respective seating portion of the elevation body abuttingly rides as it moves from one land to another upon pivoting of the indexing lever or arm between different ones of its various pivotal indexing positions.

60. An elevation adjustment turret device according to any one of clauses 56 to 59, wherein the cam device comprises a plurality of, optionally two or three, like ones of the said cam members, each mounted or formed in a discrete rotational position in the device on a common pivot plate or base portion of the device, with there also being provided or formed a corresponding plurality of associated seating portions or members on a common underside or underside portion of the elevation body.

61. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 60, wherein the said plural cam members are arranged equi-angularly on and/or around the periphery of the common pivot plate or base portion.

62. An elevation adjustment turret device according to clause 60 or clause 61, wherein the common plate or base portion of the device is operably connected to the indexing selector such that pivoting of the indexing selector into any one of its selected pivotal positions causes the common pivot plate or base portion to be likewise pivoted, thereby pivotally rotating the respective cam members, each with its respective plural land portions for abutment with the relevant seating portion or member.

63. A scope or sight for a weapon or firearm comprising an elevation adjustment turret device according to any one of clauses 39 to 62.

64. A weapon or firearm comprising or fitted with a scope or sight according to clause 63.

65. A method of calibrating a scope or sight of a weapon, the method comprising:

-   -   (i) preliminarily, providing or fitting the weapon with a scope         or sight comprising a lens cover arrangement according to any         one of clauses 29 to 32 or a viewing attachment according to         clause 33 or clause 34, and/or an elevation adjustment turret         device according to any one of clauses 35 to 37 or any one of         clauses 39 to 62;     -   and at least one or more of the following stages:     -   (ii) in the case of the lens cover arrangement according to any         one of clauses 29 to 32 (or the viewing attachment according to         clause 33 or clause 34) being present, a first         distance-calibration stage comprising viewing through the         viewing window or lens, once the cover arrangement (or viewing         attachment, as the case may be) has been appropriately (which is         to say, if or to any extent necessary) axially rotated relative         to the scope or sight body, a user/shooter-facing side of a side         distance/focussing knob of the scope or sight, whereby the         user/shooter is able to read on a display on that knob a         distance at which a calibrating target lies ahead of the         user/shooter upon the image in the scope or sight eyepiece         having been adjusted by the said knob to be in focus; and/or     -   (iii) in the case of the elevation adjustment turret device         according to any one of clauses 39 to 62, a second         distance-calibration stage comprising:         -   (a) actuating the indexing selector, by pivoting the             indexing selector to position the elevation body in a             selected one of the first or second or third (if provided)             indexing elevational positions, relative to the elevation             adjustment knob, corresponding to a respective one of the             first or second or third (if provided) indexing modes of             rotation of the elevation adjustment knob; and         -   (b) rotating the elevation adjustment knob in the said             selected indexing mode of rotation;     -   whereby—optionally on the basis of a distance at which a         calibrating target lies ahead of the user/shooter upon the image         in the scope or sight eyepiece having been adjusted by the said         knob to be in focus having been read by virtue of step (ii)—the         elevation of the scope or sight is calibrated by appropriate         rotational adjustment, whilst in the said selected indexing         mode, of the elevation adjustment knob in conjunction with         observing through the scope or sight a target at which the         shooting accuracy of the weapon is visible.

66. A calibration method according to clause 65, wherein step (iii) is repeated as many times as may be desired or appropriate with the elevation adjustment knob of the elevation adjustment turret device in a different one of its second, i.e. stepwise-rotatable, or third, i.e. freely-rotatable, rotational modes.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and linguistic variations of those words, for example “comprising” and “comprises”, mean “including but not limited to”, and are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps.

Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A scope for a weapon or firearm, wherein the scope comprises an elevation adjustment turret device comprising: a rotatable elevation adjustment knob connected to a gear mechanism via which a distance-indicating dial is rotatable, upon rotation of the knob, to display to a user a distance to a target which is usable to distance-calibrate the scope for projectile accuracy at that target, wherein the said gear mechanism comprises a planetary gear mechanism.
 2. The scope according to claim 1, wherein the planetary gear mechanism is constructed and configured such that when the said knob is rotated by a first angular distance or number of revolutions, then the corresponding angular distance or number of revolutions (as the case may be) that the distance-indicating dial rotates is less than that of the knob, optionally significantly less than that of the knob.
 3. The scope according to claim 1, wherein the construction and configuration of the planetary gear mechanism is such that for every ˜360 degrees rotation of the elevation adjustment knob the distance-indicating dial only turns by an angle of around 180 degrees, or around 120 degrees, or around 90 degrees or around 72 degrees or around 60 degrees, whereby the knob can be turned by, respectively, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 complete turns whilst the distance-indicating dial remains within one single revolution.
 4. The scope according to claim 1, wherein the turret device further comprises an indexing mechanism constructed and arranged so as to be selectively configurable in each of at least two, optionally in each of at least three, indexing modes, wherein in a first indexing mode the elevation adjustment knob is substantially prevented from rotating, and wherein in at least one second indexing mode the elevation adjustment knob is rotatable in an indexing mode selected from at least one of (i) stepped rotation, and/or (ii) free unhindered rotation.
 5. The scope according to claim 4, wherein the indexing mechanism is constructed and arranged so as to be selectively configurable, in addition to the said first indexing mode, selectively in each of: (i) a second indexing mode in which the elevation adjustment knob is rotatable with stepped rotation, and (ii) a third indexing mode in which the elevation adjustment knob is rotatable with free unhindered rotation.
 6. The scope according to claim 4, wherein the indexing mechanism comprises an indexing selector in the form of an indexing selector lever or arm which is operably connected to an indexing elevation body which is selectively moveable into any one of a respective number of elevational indexing positions, which number corresponds to the number of indexing modes, wherein in each respective one of said elevational indexing positions the indexing elevation body brings into rotation control relationship with the elevation adjustment knob, optionally into rotation control relationship with an internal indexing portion of the said knob, a respective one of a plurality of rotation control devices, wherein a first rotation control device corresponds to the said first indexing mode and comprises a locking engagement device which causes the elevation adjustment knob to be substantially prevented from rotating relative to the indexing elevation body, optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation adjustment turret device, and wherein at least a second rotation control device corresponds to a said second indexing mode and comprises at least one of (i) a step-rotation-permitting engagement device which causes the elevation adjustment knob to be rotatable, or to be restricted to being rotatable, with stepped rotation relative to the indexing elevation body, optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation adjustment turret device, and/or (ii) a free-rotation-permitting device which allows the elevation adjustment knob to be rotatable with free unhindered rotation relative to the indexing elevation body, optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation adjustment turret device.
 7. The scope according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of rotation control devices comprise: a first rotation control device which corresponds to the said first indexing mode and comprises a locking engagement device which causes the elevation adjustment knob to be substantially prevented from rotating relative to the indexing elevation body, optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation adjustment turret device, and a second rotation control device which corresponds to the said second indexing mode and comprises a step-rotation-permitting engagement device which causes the elevation adjustment knob to be rotatable, especially to be restricted to being rotatable, with stepped rotation relative to the indexing elevation body, optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation adjustment turret device, and a third rotation control device which corresponds to the said third indexing mode and comprises a free-rotation-permitting device which allows the elevation adjustment knob to be rotatable with free unhindered rotation relative to indexing elevation body, optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the turret device.
 8. The scope according to claim 6, wherein an indexing portion of the elevation adjustment knob, into rotation control relationship with which the indexing elevation body brings a respective one of the plurality of rotation control devices into a respective one of the elevational indexing positions of the body, comprises an array or band or zone of a series of grooves or corrugations, optionally on an internal portion or internal wall of the elevation adjustment knob.
 9. The scope according to claim 8, wherein the series of grooves or corrugations is arranged generally around the circumference or perimeter of, optionally substantially over the whole of the circumference or perimeter of, the internal portion or wall of the knob, optionally the grooves or corrugations being arranged all parallel to one another with their longitudinal directions lying generally parallel to the rotational axis of the elevation adjustment knob, and optionally generally parallel to the axis of movement of the indexing elevation body as it moves between its various respective elevational indexing positions.
 10. The scope according to claim 6, wherein the locking engagement device of the first rotation control device, which causes the elevation adjustment knob to be substantially prevented from rotating relative to the indexing elevation body, optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation adjustment turret device, when the indexing elevation body is selectively moved into its relevant elevational position, is constituted or provided by at least one, optionally a series or array of a plurality of, locking lugs or protrusions arranged on the periphery or a peripheral portion of the indexing elevation body.
 11. The scope according to claim 6, wherein the step-rotation-permitting engagement device of the second rotation control device, which causes the elevation adjustment knob to be rotatable, or to be restricted to being rotatable, with stepped rotation, relative to the indexing elevation body, optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation adjustment turret device, when the indexing elevation body is selectively moved into its relevant elevational position, is constituted or provided by at least one, optionally a series or array of a plurality of, resilient step-engagement elements arranged on or in the periphery or a peripheral portion of the indexing elevation body.
 12. The scope according to claim 7, wherein both the said locking engagement device and the said step-rotation-permitting engagement device are provided, and wherein each respective one of the said engagement and step-rotation-permitting devices is provided in its own discrete axial position or region or zone on or in the periphery or peripheral portion of the of elevation body.
 13. The scope according to claim 12, wherein the respective locking engagement device and step-rotation-permitting engagement device are located axially adjacent, yet axially separated by a short distance from each other, in order not to interfere with one another when the elevation body is selectively moved by elevation or lowering, as the case may be, into the respective elevational position in which each of the above-defined locking engagement device or step-rotation-permitting device becomes, in combination with the grooved/corrugated internal zone of the knob, operative, optionally further wherein the locking engagement device is provided axially above the step-rotation-permitting device.
 14. The scope according to claim 7, wherein the free-rotation-permitting device of the third rotation control device, which allows the elevation adjustment knob to be rotatable with free unhindered rotation, relative to the indexing elevation body, optionally and/or relative to the remainder of the elevation adjustment turret device, when the indexing elevation body is selectively moved, is constituted or provided by an unhindered track, surface, channel or groove on the periphery or a peripheral portion of the indexing elevation body.
 15. The scope according to claim 6, wherein the said indexing selector is operably connected to the indexing elevation body so that it is selectively moveable into any one of the respective number of elevational indexing positions (corresponding to the respective indexing modes), and comprises a pivotable indexing selector lever or arm which carries or has connected thereto a pivotable cam device constructed and configured to define each of the said elevational indexing positions.
 16. The scope according to claim 15, wherein the cam device comprises at least one cam member, the or each cam member comprising a cam surface interrupted by at least two, optionally three, discrete land portions of different elevational heights relative to each other, and/or relative to the remainder of the device, wherein each land portion is selectively abuttable or engageable, by pivotal rotation of the elevation body by the selector lever or arm, by a or a respective one of a plurality of seating portions or members of the elevation body, especially provided or formed on an underside or underside portion thereof, whereby each land portion defines a unique respective elevated seating position in which the elevation body may be placed in, upon appropriate position of the indexing lever or arm; and further wherein either: (i) where two said land portions are provided, the said two land portions correspond respectively to each of the said first and at least one of the second elevational indexing positions of the elevation body; or (ii) where three said land portions are provided, the said three land portions correspond respectively to each of the said first, second and third elevational indexing positions of the elevation body.
 17. The scope according to claim 16, wherein the cam device comprises a plurality of, optionally two or three, like ones of the said cam members, each mounted or formed in a discrete rotational position in the device on a common pivot plate or base portion of the device, with there also being provided or formed a corresponding plurality of associated seating portions or members on a common underside or underside portion of the elevation body.
 18. The scope according to claim 17, wherein the common plate or base portion of the device is operably connected to the indexing selector such that pivoting of the indexing selector into any one of its selected pivotal positions causes the common pivot plate or base portion to be likewise pivoted, thereby pivotally rotating the respective cam members, each with its respective plural land portions for abutment with the relevant seating portion or member.
 19. A weapon or firearm comprising or fitted with a scope according to claim
 1. 20. A method of calibrating a scope of a weapon or firearm, wherein the scope is a scope according to claim 6, the method comprising: (i) a first distance-calibration stage comprising viewing through a viewing window or lens a user-facing side of a side distance/focussing knob of the scope, whereby the user is able to read on a display on that knob a distance at which a calibrating target lies ahead of the user upon the image in the scope eyepiece having been adjusted by the said knob to be in focus; and/or (ii) a second distance-calibration stage comprising: (a) actuating the indexing selector, by pivoting the indexing selector to position the elevation body in a selected one of the first or second or third (if provided) indexing elevational positions, relative to the elevation adjustment knob, corresponding to a respective one of the first or second or third (if provided) indexing modes of rotation of the elevation adjustment knob; and (b) rotating the elevation adjustment knob in the said selected indexing mode of rotation; whereby, optionally on the basis of a distance at which a calibrating target lies ahead of the user upon the image in the scope eyepiece having been adjusted by the said knob to be in focus having been read by virtue of step (i), the elevation of the scope is calibrated by appropriate rotational adjustment, whilst in the said selected indexing mode, of the elevation adjustment knob in conjunction with observing through the scope a target at which the shooting accuracy of the weapon or firearm is visible; and wherein step (ii) is repeated as many times as may be desired or appropriate with the elevation adjustment knob of the elevation adjustment turret device in a different one of its second, namely stepwise-rotatable, or third, namely freely-rotatable, rotational modes. 